2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1988 Nissan Vanette
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Nissan Vanette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Nissan Vanette would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1988 Nissan Vanette. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Nissan Vanette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Nissan Vanette weights approximately 960 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Nissan Vanette. (148 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Nissan Vanette.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1988 Nissan Vanette | |
| Make | Caterham | Nissan |
| Model | 7 | Vanette |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2080 mm |
