1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2013 Ford Transit Connect
To start off, 2013 Ford Transit Connect is newer by 28 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Ford Transit Connect is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2013 Ford Transit Connect. (134 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 2013 Ford Transit Connect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Ford Transit Connect weights approximately 1046 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, 2013 Ford Transit Connect, 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, 2013 Ford Transit Connect (174 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 Ford Transit Connect will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700. 2013 Ford Transit Connect 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. 2013 Ford Transit Connect will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 2013 Ford Transit Connect | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 1700 | Transit Connect |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1589 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4587 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 2113 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 2014 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2911 mm |
