2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 1000 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | CLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2720 mm |
