1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Caterham 1700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Caterham 1700 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1257 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (422 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1700 | S |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2950 mm |
