1987 BMW Z1 vs. 1985 Caterham 1700
To start off, 1987 BMW Z1 is newer by 2 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW Z1 weights approximately 707 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, 1987 BMW Z1 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1987 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW Z1 | 1985 Caterham 1700 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | Z1 | 1700 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1692 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 543 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2240 mm |
