1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2004 Honda Fit
To start off, 2004 Honda Fit 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 53 more horse power than 2004 Honda Fit. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Fit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Fit weights approximately 517 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 Fit, 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 @ 4500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Fit. (123 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1985 Caterham 1700 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Fit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 2004 Honda Fit | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | 1700 | Fit |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2460 mm |
