2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 8 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (310 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2760 mm |
