2000 Caterham C21 vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham C21 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 542 kg more than 2000 Caterham C21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | C21 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2340 mm |
