1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 316 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 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | C21 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2270 mm |
