1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1985 Nissan Prairie
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Nissan Prairie. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Nissan Prairie would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1985 Nissan Prairie. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan Prairie. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Nissan Prairie weights approximately 325 kg more than 1998 Caterham C21.
Because 1998 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 1998 Caterham C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Nissan Prairie, 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, 1998 Caterham C21 (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan Prairie. (121 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan Prairie.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1985 Nissan Prairie | |
| Make | Caterham | Nissan |
| Model | C21 | Prairie |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2520 mm |
