2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 13 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 2,489 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2013 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2013 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda 3 weights approximately 863 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, 2013 Mazda 3, 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, 2013 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 7 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1303 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2640 mm |
