2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 7 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7. 2011 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | C |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2760 mm |
