1995 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1995 Caterham Super 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1995 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 866 kg more than 1995 Caterham Super 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham Super 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham Super 7 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | Super 7 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 554 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 61 L |
