2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1977 Mazda 121
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 2,615 cc (2 cylinders), 1977 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1977 Mazda 121. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1977 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mazda 121 weights approximately 660 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
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, 2000 Caterham 21 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mazda 121. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1977 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 21 | 121 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2615 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2520 mm |
