2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1977 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1977 Mercedes-Benz S. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1977 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1110 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, 1977 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1977 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1977 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2870 mm |
