1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1999 Mazda 626
To start off, 1999 Mazda 626 is newer by 14 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1999 Mazda 626. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda 626 weights approximately 737 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700.
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, 1999 Mazda 626, 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, 1999 Mazda 626 (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1999 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 1700 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2680 mm |
