2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1100 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz S (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | S |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2950 mm |
