2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2000 Mazda 626
To start off, both 2000 Caterham 7 and 2000 Mazda 626 were released in the same year (2000). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2000 Mazda 626. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mazda 626 weights approximately 780 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, 2000 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 7 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2000 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 7 | 626 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2680 mm |
