2009 BMW 118 vs. 1985 Caterham 1700
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 24 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 118 weights approximately 982 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700.
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, 2009 BMW 118 (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 118 | 1985 Caterham 1700 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 118 | 1700 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1692 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 543 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2240 mm |
