2000 Caterham C21 vs. 2008 Mazda 6
To start off, 2008 Mazda 6 is newer by 8 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 6 (145 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 6 weights approximately 720 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.
Because 2000 Caterham C21 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 C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 6, 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, 2008 Mazda 6 (184 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 2008 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | C21 | 6 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2730 mm |
