1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1975 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1985 Caterham 1700 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1975 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 1392 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, 1975 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1975 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700. 1975 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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. 1975 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1975 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Caterham | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 1700 | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 5735 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 | 380 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 | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 5900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 3230 mm |
