1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1978 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 572 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7.
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, 1996 Caterham 7 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (133 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1978 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Caterham | Nissan |
| Model | 7 | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2520 mm |
