1994 Caterham Seven vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Caterham Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Caterham Seven would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (190 HP) has 25 more horse power than 1994 Caterham Seven. (165 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1994 Caterham Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 980 kg more than 1994 Caterham Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 Caterham Seven 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 1994 Caterham Seven. 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 (226 Nm) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Caterham Seven. (203 Nm). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Caterham Seven. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1994 Caterham Seven has manual transmission. 1994 Caterham Seven 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:
| 1994 Caterham Seven | 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Caterham | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Seven | 166 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2492 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 190 HP |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 68.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2710 mm |
