1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2009 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 12 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Frontier. (152 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Frontier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 756 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Frontier. (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Frontier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2009 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Caterham | Nissan |
| Model | C21 | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1446 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3200 mm |
