1995 Caterham 21 vs. 1997 Mazda 121
To start off, 1997 Mazda 121 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Caterham 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Caterham 21 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Caterham 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Caterham 21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1997 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mazda 121 weights approximately 343 kg more than 1995 Caterham 21.
Because 1995 Caterham 21 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 1995 Caterham 21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mazda 121, 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, 1995 Caterham 21 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda 121. (111 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham 21 | 1997 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 21 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 991 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2460 mm |
