2000 Caterham C21 vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2000 Caterham C21 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 388 kg more than 2000 Caterham C21.
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 C21 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | C21 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2270 mm |
