1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2010 Ford S-Max
To start off, 2010 Ford S-Max is newer by 25 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Ford S-Max is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2010 Ford S-Max. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 2010 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Ford S-Max weights approximately 1200 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700.
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, 2010 Ford S-Max, 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, 2010 Ford S-Max (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2010 Ford S-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 2010 Ford S-Max | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 1700 | S-Max |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 1997 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 | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1743 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2860 mm |
