1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1982 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1982 Nissan Skyline. (93 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1982 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 360 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
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, 1997 Caterham C21 (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Nissan Skyline. (149 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Nissan Skyline. 1982 Nissan Skyline has automatic transmission and 1997 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1997 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Nissan Skyline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1982 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Caterham | Nissan |
| Model | C21 | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2620 mm |
