2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 7. (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 1156 kg more than 2000 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | 380 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2940 mm |
