2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2005 Mazda 6
To start off, 2005 Mazda 6 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 6. (119 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 6 weights approximately 970 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
Because 2004 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 2004 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 6, 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, 2005 Mazda 6 (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2005 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 7 | 6 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2680 mm |
