1995 Caterham 21 vs. 1983 Nissan Micra
To start off, 1995 Caterham 21 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Nissan Micra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Nissan Micra would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Caterham 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Caterham 21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1983 Nissan Micra. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1983 Nissan Micra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Nissan Micra weights approximately 52 kg more than 1995 Caterham 21.
Because 1995 Caterham 21 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 1995 Caterham 21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Nissan Micra, 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, 1995 Caterham 21 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Nissan Micra. (79 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Nissan Micra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham 21 | 1983 Nissan Micra | |
| Make | Caterham | Nissan |
| Model | 21 | Micra |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2310 mm |
