2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1976 Mazda RX-4
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mazda RX-4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mazda RX-4 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1976 Mazda RX-4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1976 Mazda RX-4. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda RX-4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mazda RX-4 weights approximately 640 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda RX-4. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda RX-4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1976 Mazda RX-4 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 7 | RX-4 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2520 mm |
