2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 3 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 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 7. (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1435 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | S |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 84 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 | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3090 mm |
