1973 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 480 kg more than 2003 Caterham 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | Spider | 7 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2230 mm |
