1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 20 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1302 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1700 | SL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2570 mm |
