1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1983 Lancia Gamma
To start off, 1985 Caterham 1700 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lancia Gamma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lancia Gamma would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lancia Gamma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1983 Lancia Gamma. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 1983 Lancia Gamma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lancia Gamma weights approximately 783 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, 1983 Lancia Gamma, 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, 1983 Lancia Gamma (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1983 Lancia Gamma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1983 Lancia Gamma | |
| Make | Caterham | Lancia |
| Model | 1700 | Gamma |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2680 mm |
