1994 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1996 Caterham 7
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Alfa Romeo 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Alfa Romeo 145 would be higher. At 1,712 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Alfa Romeo 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1994 Alfa Romeo 145. (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1994 Alfa Romeo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Alfa Romeo 145 weights approximately 712 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7.
Because 1996 Caterham 7 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 1996 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Alfa Romeo 145, 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, 1996 Caterham 7 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Alfa Romeo 145. (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Alfa Romeo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1996 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | 145 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1712 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 36 L |
