1990 Buick Electra vs. 1985 Caterham 1700
To start off, 1990 Buick Electra is newer by 5 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Buick Electra weights approximately 1032 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.
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, 1990 Buick Electra, 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, 1990 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700. 1990 Buick Electra 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. 1990 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Buick Electra | 1985 Caterham 1700 | |
| Make | Buick | Caterham |
| Model | Electra | 1700 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1692 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 543 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2240 mm |
