1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1999 Mazda Laputa
To start off, 1999 Mazda Laputa is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Caterham C21 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1999 Mazda Laputa. (53 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda Laputa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda Laputa weights approximately 96 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
Because 1997 Caterham C21 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 1997 Caterham C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mazda Laputa, 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda Laputa. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda Laputa. 1999 Mazda Laputa has automatic transmission and 1997 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1997 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mazda Laputa will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1999 Mazda Laputa | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | C21 | Laputa |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 658 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 60.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2370 mm |
