2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1989 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1989 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1989 Mazda RX-7. (149 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 730 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, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1989 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 7 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2440 mm |
