2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 513 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 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 7 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 983 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2270 mm |
