1961 Alpine A 108 vs. 1992 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 1992 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Alpine A 108. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Alpine A 108 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (251 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1961 Alpine A 108. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1961 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Alpine A 108 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1992 Caterham Super 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, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (250 Nm @ 6250 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Alpine A 108. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1992 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Alpine A 108.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Alpine A 108 | 1992 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | Alpine | Caterham |
| Model | A 108 | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 843 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2260 mm |
