1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1989 Skoda L
To start off, 1989 Skoda L is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Caterham 1700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Caterham 1700 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 77 more horse power than 1989 Skoda L. (58 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 1989 Skoda L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Skoda L weights approximately 342 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 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Skoda L. (90 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1985 Caterham 1700 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Skoda L.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1989 Skoda L | |
| Make | Caterham | Skoda |
| Model | 1700 | L |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 1221 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2410 mm |
