1996 Caterham 7 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 16 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 66 L |
