2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 6 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. At 2,996 cc, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1192 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (300 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 7 | C |
Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2996 cc |
Horse Power | 160 HP | 228 HP |
Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 176 Nm | 300 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 82.1 mm |
Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1692 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4600 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1470 mm |
Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1780 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2770 mm |