1987 Alpine V6 vs. 1996 Caterham 7
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Alpine V6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Alpine V6 would be higher. At 2,457 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Alpine V6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alpine V6 (197 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alpine V6 should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alpine V6 weights approximately 702 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1987 Alpine V6 (296 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 Alpine V6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alpine V6 | 1996 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Alpine | Caterham |
| Model | V6 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2240 mm |
