1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1980 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1980 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1980 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 490 kg more than 1998 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, 1980 Nissan Laurel (148 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21. 1980 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1998 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1998 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1980 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Caterham | Nissan |
| Model | C21 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2680 mm |
