1985 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,960 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 507 kg more than 1997 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, 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider (178 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | Spider | C21 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1960 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2260 mm |
