2002 Caterham Superlight R vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Caterham Superlight R is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (228 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. (190 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1406 kg more than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. (203 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2002 Caterham Superlight R has manual transmission. 2002 Caterham Superlight R will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Caterham Superlight R | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Superlight R | S |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2520 mm |
