1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 24 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 6,198 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 295 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 718 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, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (575 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 410 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Caterham | Chevrolet |
| Model | 1700 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 6198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 575 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 103.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2690 mm |
