1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 vs. 2009 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2009 Porsche Cayman is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Porsche Cayman (291 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (219 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2009 Porsche Cayman.
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, 2009 Porsche Cayman (340 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | 2009 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | 420 | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 3385 cc |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 96.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 275 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2420 mm |
