1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2003 Nissan 350Z is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Caterham C21 would be higher. At 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan 350Z (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 836 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Caterham C21 | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
Make | Caterham | Nissan |
Model | C21 | 350Z |
Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3490 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 265 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 153 Nm | 363 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 81.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1490 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4310 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2630 mm |