2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 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 96 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 1201 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) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (171 Nm). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 7 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1671 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2270 mm |
