1988 Alpine V6 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Alpine V6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Alpine V6 would be higher. At 2,457 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Alpine V6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1988 Alpine V6. (197 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Alpine V6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alpine V6 weights approximately 690 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
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, 1988 Alpine V6 (296 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1988 Alpine V6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Alpine V6 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Alpine | Caterham |
| Model | V6 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2230 mm |
