2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2003 Mazda 6
To start off, 2003 Mazda 6 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 6. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 860 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, 2003 Mazda 6, 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 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 6. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 6. 2003 Mazda 6 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. 2003 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2003 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 7 | 6 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 181 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 | 235 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2620 mm |
