1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 22 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 358 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1413 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 635 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700. 2007 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1700 | SL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 1956 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2570 mm |
