2009 Dodge Caliber vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 2009 Dodge Caliber 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Caliber. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2009 Dodge Caliber. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 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 Mercedes-Benz 420. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber, 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Caliber. (310 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Caliber.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Caliber | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caliber | 420 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2850 mm |
