2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (58 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 892 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (126 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 has automatic transmission and 2003 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2003 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Caterham 7 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 7 | 220 |
Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2197 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 160 HP | 58 HP |
Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 176 Nm | 126 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 92.4 mm |
Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 130 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1392 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2760 mm |