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 3,222 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. (201 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1455 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 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 | 1997 cc | 3222 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2670 mm |
