1972 Alfa Romeo GT vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Alfa Romeo GT would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. (131 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Alfa Romeo GT weights approximately 296 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
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, 1972 Alfa Romeo GT (156 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Alfa Romeo GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Alfa Romeo GT | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | GT | C21 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2260 mm |
