2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 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 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (108 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 650 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, 2000 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 7 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 191 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2270 mm |
