2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 925 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 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. 2002 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | C |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2570 mm |
