1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (207 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 1260 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1991 Caterham Super 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (401 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Caterham | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Super 7 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 70 L |
