2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 7 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz E (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 318 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1351 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz E (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 420 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 2010 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2010 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | E |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1841 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4887 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1443 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2873 mm |
