1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1986 Nissan Santana
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Nissan Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Nissan Santana would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Nissan Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1986 Nissan Santana. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1986 Nissan Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Nissan Santana weights approximately 416 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
Because 1997 Caterham C21 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 1997 Caterham C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Nissan Santana, 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Nissan Santana. (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Nissan Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1986 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Caterham | Nissan |
| Model | C21 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1986 |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2560 mm |
