1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 15 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 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Caterham 1700 weights approximately 83 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
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, 2000 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Caterham | Caterham |
| Model | 1700 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2230 mm |
