2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 7. (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1610 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 455 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | SL |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 5956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2520 mm |
