1962 Alpine A 108 vs. 2000 Caterham 21
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Alpine A 108. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Alpine A 108 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1962 Alpine A 108. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1962 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Alpine A 108 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
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, 2000 Caterham 21 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Alpine A 108. (58 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Alpine A 108.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Alpine A 108 | 2000 Caterham 21 | |
| Make | Alpine | Caterham |
| Model | A 108 | 21 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 89.3 mm |
| 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 | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2230 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 100 L |
