1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2009 Ferrari F430
To start off, 2009 Ferrari F430 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 4,306 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ferrari F430 (483 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 348 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ferrari F430 weights approximately 982 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 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 2009 Ferrari F430 | |
| Make | Caterham | Ferrari |
| Model | 1700 | F430 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 4306 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 483 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 465 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 316 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2610 mm |
