2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,307 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 755 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230. (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | 230 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2410 mm |
