1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1995 Infiniti J30
To start off, 1995 Infiniti J30 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Infiniti J30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Infiniti J30 (210 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Infiniti J30 should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Infiniti J30 weights approximately 1057 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.
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, 1995 Infiniti J30, 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, 1995 Infiniti J30 (262 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1995 Infiniti J30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700. 1995 Infiniti J30 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. 1995 Infiniti J30 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1995 Infiniti J30 | |
| Make | Caterham | Infiniti |
| Model | 1700 | J30 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2770 mm |
