1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 1985 Caterham 1700 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 1402 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser has automatic transmission and 1985 Caterham 1700 has manual transmission. 1985 Caterham 1700 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | Caterham | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 1700 | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 3080 mm |
