1996 Caterham 7 vs. 2007 Mazda 6
To start off, 2007 Mazda 6 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2007 Mazda 6. (134 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda 6 weights approximately 1062 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7.
Because 1996 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 1996 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Mazda 6, 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, 2007 Mazda 6 (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 2007 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 7 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 64 L |
