2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2012 Mazda 2
To start off, 2012 Mazda 2 is newer by 9 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 60 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 2. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 2 weights approximately 546 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Because 2003 Caterham 7 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 2, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 2. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2012 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 7 | 2 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1695 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1475 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2489 mm |
