1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2007 Honda Civic
To start off, 2007 Honda Civic is newer by 22 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Honda Civic weights approximately 722 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, 2007 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, 2007 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 2007 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | 1700 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2640 mm |
