2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
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 E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz E 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 52 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1070 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | E |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2860 mm |
