2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1999 Mazda 626
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1999 Mazda 626. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda 626 weights approximately 840 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, 1999 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, 1999 Mazda 626 (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1999 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 7 | 626 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2680 mm |
