1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2005 Mazda 6
To start off, 2005 Mazda 6 is newer by 20 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 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda 6 (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 6 weights approximately 922 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Mazda 6, 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, 2005 Mazda 6 (207 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 2005 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 1700 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2630 mm |
