1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 21 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 3,198 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano (187 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 1517 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano (270 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700. 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1700 | Viano |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 3198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 181 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 2060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 3210 mm |
