2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2000 Mazda 626
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2000 Mazda 626. (100 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mazda 626 weights approximately 886 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Because 2000 Mazda 626 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Mazda 626 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2000 Mazda 626 (392 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2000 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2000 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 7 | 626 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 74 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2620 mm |
