2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. (123 HP @ 4350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 1120 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 (250 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 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. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2800 mm |
