2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 2004 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 1108 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Caterham | Nissan |
| Model | 7 | 370Z |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2550 mm |
