1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1974 Mazda 929
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1974 Mazda 929. (83 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mazda 929 weights approximately 460 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
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, 1997 Caterham C21 (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mazda 929. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1974 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | C21 | 929 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2520 mm |
