2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (104 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 676 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 7 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2620 mm |
