2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 855 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2410 mm |
