2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1989 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1989 Nissan 300 ZX. (171 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan 300 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 970 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, 1989 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1989 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Caterham | Nissan |
| Model | 7 | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2530 mm |
