2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 10 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 5,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL (503 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 343 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1683 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL (830 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 654 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | CL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 503 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| 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 | 2183 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 2130 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1419 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2955 mm |
