2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1979 Datsun 280
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Datsun 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Datsun 280 would be higher. At 2,751 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Datsun 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1979 Datsun 280. (140 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1979 Datsun 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Datsun 280 weights approximately 832 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
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, 1979 Datsun 280 (202 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1979 Datsun 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1979 Datsun 280 | |
| Make | Caterham | Datsun |
| Model | 7 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 2751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1272 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2530 mm |
