1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2006 MG ZT-T
To start off, 2006 MG ZT-T 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 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 MG ZT-T is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 MG ZT-T (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 MG ZT-T should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 MG ZT-T weights approximately 1272 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 MG ZT-T (410 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 MG ZT-T will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 2006 MG ZT-T | |
| Make | Caterham | MG |
| Model | 1700 | ZT-T |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2750 mm |
