2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 33 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (167 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 1125 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | CLK |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2720 mm |
