2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 885 kg more than 2003 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, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2410 mm |
