2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1335 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2840 mm |
