2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (96 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 628 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 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2003 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2003 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Caterham | Nissan |
| Model | 7 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3600 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 | 500 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2410 mm |
