2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 2,596 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (161 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 1205 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK (400 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | CLK |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 2596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2720 mm |
