2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 5 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1095 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (270 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | C |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2600 mm |
