2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Caterham 7 would be higher. Both 2003 Caterham 7 and 2007 Mercedes-Benz C are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 995 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2720 mm |
