1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2000 Caterham C21
To start off, 2000 Caterham C21 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 350 kg more than 2000 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, both vehicles can yield 145 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2000 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | Spider | C21 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2260 mm |
