2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1987 Mazda 626
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1987 Mazda 626. (146 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1987 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mazda 626 weights approximately 780 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
Because 2000 Caterham 21 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 2000 Caterham 21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mazda 626, 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, 2000 Caterham 21 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mazda 626. (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1987 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 21 | 626 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2580 mm |
