1984 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1985 Caterham 1700
To start off, 1985 Caterham 1700 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Alfa Romeo 33. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 would be higher. At 1,692 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Caterham 1700 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1984 Alfa Romeo 33. (93 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 1984 Alfa Romeo 33. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 weights approximately 372 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Because 1985 Caterham 1700 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 1985 Caterham 1700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Alfa Romeo 33, 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, 1985 Caterham 1700 (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Alfa Romeo 33. (130 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Caterham 1700 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Alfa Romeo 33.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 | 1985 Caterham 1700 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | 33 | 1700 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1692 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 543 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2240 mm |
