2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1997 Nissan Patrol
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Patrol. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Patrol would be higher. At 2,826 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Patrol is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Patrol. (91 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Patrol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 1332 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
Because 2004 Caterham 7 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Patrol, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Patrol. (178 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Patrol.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1997 Nissan Patrol | |
| Make | Caterham | Nissan |
| Model | 7 | Patrol |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2826 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1872 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1820 mm |
