2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1988 Mazda 929
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Mazda 929 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1988 Mazda 929. (110 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mazda 929 weights approximately 845 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 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mazda 929. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1988 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 7 | 929 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 98 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2720 mm |
