2000 Caterham 21 vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 13 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 2,489 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2013 Mazda 3. (165 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 2013 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda 3 weights approximately 868 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, 2013 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, 2013 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 21. 2013 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham 21 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham 21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 21 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1408 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1755 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 55 L |
