2001 Caterham Beaulieu vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Caterham Beaulieu would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Caterham Beaulieu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 903 kg more than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Caterham Beaulieu | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | Beaulieu | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 61 L |
