2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 7. (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 1090 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.
Because 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2000 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2810 mm |
