1985 Alfa Romeo Arna vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Alfa Romeo Arna. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Alfa Romeo Arna would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo Arna. (67 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo Arna. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Alfa Romeo Arna weights approximately 350 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Because 2003 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 2003 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Alfa Romeo Arna, 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Alfa Romeo Arna. (90 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Alfa Romeo Arna.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo Arna | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | Arna | 7 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1185 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2230 mm |
