1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1997 Morgan 4
To start off, 1997 Morgan 4 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Morgan 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1997 Morgan 4. (112 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 1997 Morgan 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Morgan 4 weights approximately 337 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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Morgan 4. (160 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1985 Caterham 1700 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Morgan 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1997 Morgan 4 | |
| Make | Caterham | Morgan |
| Model | 1700 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2450 mm |
