1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1985 Caterham 1700 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 1007 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700. 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1985 Caterham 1700 has manual transmission. 1985 Caterham 1700 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1700 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2830 mm |
