1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1974 Mazda 818
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1974 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mazda 818 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Caterham C21 (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1974 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | C21 | 818 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2320 mm |
