2000 Caterham 21 vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2004 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 21 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 1245 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, 2004 Mazda 3, 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 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 21 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2004 |
| 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 | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 200 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 | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 55 L |
