1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1985 Caterham 1700 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Opel Ascona 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 45 more horse power than 1982 Opel Ascona. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 1982 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Opel Ascona weights approximately 489 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Because 1985 Caterham 1700 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1985 Caterham 1700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Ascona. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1985 Caterham 1700 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Ascona. 1982 Opel Ascona 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. 1982 Opel Ascona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | 1700 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2580 mm |
