2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (231 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 1018 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2810 mm |
