2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 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 117 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 615 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, 2006 Mazda 3, 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mazda |
| Model | 7 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1349 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2650 mm |
