1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire 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 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. (115 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 657 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 Pontiac Sunfire, 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 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1999 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Caterham | Pontiac |
| Model | 1700 | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2650 mm |
