2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 688 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
Because 2000 Caterham 7 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 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323, 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 1998 Mazda 323 has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mazda 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 7 | 323 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2520 mm |
