2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1968 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,815 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1968 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1968 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 524 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Nissan Laurel. (155 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1968 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Caterham | Nissan |
| Model | 7 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1815 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1014 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2630 mm |
