2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 620 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 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 7 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2650 mm |
