1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1979 Isuzu Gemini
To start off, 1985 Caterham 1700 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Isuzu Gemini. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Isuzu Gemini would be higher. At 1,816 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Isuzu Gemini is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1979 Isuzu Gemini. (120 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 1979 Isuzu Gemini. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Isuzu Gemini weights approximately 422 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 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Isuzu Gemini. (162 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Caterham 1700 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Isuzu Gemini.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1979 Isuzu Gemini | |
| Make | Caterham | Isuzu |
| Model | 1700 | Gemini |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 1816 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2410 mm |
