1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 24 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (62 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 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 390 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
Because 2004 Caterham 7 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 2004 Caterham 7. 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (88 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 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 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | Alfasud | 7 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1185 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2230 mm |
