2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2010 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2010 Mercury Mariner 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2010 Mercury Mariner. (171 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 1055 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
Because 2000 Caterham 7 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2000 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Mercury Mariner, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mercury Mariner (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2010 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 2010 Mercury Mariner 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. 2010 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2010 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercury |
| Model | 7 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4458 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1806 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2619 mm |
