1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (93 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud weights approximately 268 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
Because 1997 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 1997 Caterham C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | Alfasud | C21 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 918 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 |
