1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 23 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 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 637 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, 2008 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, 2008 Honda Civic (175 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | 1700 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2660 mm |
