2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 945 kg more than 2000 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | 240 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2800 mm |
