1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1962 Rover P5
To start off, 1985 Caterham 1700 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1962 Rover P5. (119 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 1962 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Rover P5 weights approximately 1177 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700.
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, 1962 Rover P5 (218 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1962 Rover P5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1962 Rover P5 | |
| Make | Caterham | Rover |
| Model | 1700 | P5 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 77.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 105 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2820 mm |
