2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1985 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1985 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1985 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 560 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1985 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 7 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2430 mm |
