1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1985 Caterham 1700 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,692 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Caterham 1700 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 327 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, 1985 Caterham 1700 (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1985 Caterham 1700 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1700 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 1583 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2430 mm |
