1996 Caterham 7 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 14 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7.
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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 80 L |
