2002 Caterham Superlight R vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Caterham Superlight R. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Caterham Superlight R would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (288 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. (190 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 1245 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (365 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. (203 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Caterham Superlight R | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Superlight R | CLS |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 12.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2860 mm |
