1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1997 Kia Potentia
To start off, 1997 Kia Potentia is newer by 12 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Kia Potentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Kia Potentia (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Kia Potentia should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Kia Potentia weights approximately 922 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, 1997 Kia Potentia (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Kia Potentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1997 Kia Potentia | |
| Make | Caterham | Kia |
| Model | 1700 | Potentia |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2720 mm |
