1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 15 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. (127 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 902 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700.
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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 2000 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1700 | C |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2860 mm |
