2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 9 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 1,796 cc, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 7. (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 2390 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (240 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | C |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1796 cc |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| 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 | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2770 mm |
