1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2005 Mazda Marathon
To start off, 2005 Mazda Marathon is newer by 8 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 2,260 cc, 2005 Mazda Marathon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2005 Mazda Marathon. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda Marathon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda Marathon weights approximately 867 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, 2005 Mazda Marathon (174 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda Marathon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2005 Mazda Marathon | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | C21 | Marathon |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2260 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1517 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2680 mm |
