1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2006 Honda S2000
To start off, 2006 Honda S2000 is newer by 21 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda S2000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda S2000 (237 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda S2000 weights approximately 777 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.
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, 2006 Honda S2000 (208 Nm @ 7500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Honda S2000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 2006 Honda S2000 | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | 1700 | S2000 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 208 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2410 mm |
