1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2003 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2003 Mercury Sable is newer by 18 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 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Sable (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Sable weights approximately 1022 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.
Because 1985 Caterham 1700 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1985 Caterham 1700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Sable, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2003 Mercury Sable (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700. 2003 Mercury Sable 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. 2003 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercury |
| Model | 1700 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2760 mm |
