1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2003 Nissan X-Trail
To start off, 2003 Nissan X-Trail 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Nissan X-Trail is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan X-Trail (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan X-Trail should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan X-Trail weights approximately 865 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.
Because 2003 Nissan X-Trail is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Caterham C21. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Nissan X-Trail will offer significantly more control. 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 X-Trail (192 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan X-Trail will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 2003 Nissan X-Trail 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. 2003 Nissan X-Trail will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2003 Nissan X-Trail | |
| Make | Caterham | Nissan |
| Model | C21 | X-Trail |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2630 mm |
