1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Caterham 1700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Caterham 1700 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 1007 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (276 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1985 Caterham 1700 has manual transmission. 1985 Caterham 1700 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Caterham | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 1700 | 166 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2600 mm |
