2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1996 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Laurel. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 890 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, 1996 Nissan Laurel (171 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1996 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 1996 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1996 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Caterham | Nissan |
| Model | 7 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2730 mm |
