2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. (168 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1065 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 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. 2000 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2004 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2004 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2000 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | C |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2720 mm |
