1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1995 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 1995 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 10 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, 1995 Caterham Super 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Caterham Super 7 weights approximately 11 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, 1985 Caterham 1700 (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham Super 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Caterham 1700 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1995 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | Caterham | Caterham |
| Model | 1700 | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 3390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1100 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2260 mm |
