1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 807 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Caterham 1700. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1985 Caterham 1700 has manual transmission. 1985 Caterham 1700 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1700 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2710 mm |
