2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (228 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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 SLK (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2440 mm |
