1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1984 Maserati 420
To start off, 1985 Caterham 1700 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Maserati 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Maserati 420 would be higher. At 2,491 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Maserati 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Maserati 420 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Maserati 420 should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Maserati 420 weights approximately 637 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, 1984 Maserati 420 (308 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1984 Maserati 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1984 Maserati 420 | |
| Make | Caterham | Maserati |
| Model | 1700 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 308 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2610 mm |
