1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1970 Opel Commodore
To start off, 1985 Caterham 1700 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 2,490 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Opel Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Opel Commodore (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Opel Commodore should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Opel Commodore weights approximately 687 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, 1970 Opel Commodore (196 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1970 Opel Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1970 Opel Commodore | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | 1700 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 2490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2670 mm |
