1996 Caterham 7 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 262 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 1482 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (706 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 550 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1996 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 1996 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 706 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 280 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 80 L |
