1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 17 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), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (134 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Elise weights approximately 213 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Caterham | Lotus |
| Model | 1700 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2310 mm |
