2007 Alpina D3 vs. 1985 Caterham 1700
To start off, 2007 Alpina D3 is newer by 22 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 3,347 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Alpina D3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Alpina D3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alpina D3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alpina D3 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, 2007 Alpina D3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Alpina D3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alpina D3 | 1985 Caterham 1700 | |
| Make | Alpina | Caterham |
| Model | D3 | 1700 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3347 cc | 1692 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.9 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 266 km/hour | 179 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 543 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2240 mm |
