1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1998 Caterham C21
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud weights approximately 265 kg more than 1998 Caterham C21.
Because 1998 Caterham C21 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 1998 Caterham C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, 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, 1998 Caterham C21 (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (111 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1998 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | Alfasud | C21 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1349 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2260 mm |
