1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2004 Honda Civic
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 19 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 1,692 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Caterham 1700 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Civic weights approximately 611 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, 2004 Honda Civic, 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, 1985 Caterham 1700 (165 Nm) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (149 Nm). This means 1985 Caterham 1700 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic. 2004 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1985 Caterham 1700 has manual transmission. 1985 Caterham 1700 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 2004 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | 1700 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 1668 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1154 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2590 mm |
