2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLC
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLC is newer by 10 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 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLC (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 7. (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLC should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLC weights approximately 1025 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLC (250 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLC | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | CLC |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2720 mm |
