1995 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Caterham Super 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 1096 kg more than 1995 Caterham Super 7.
Because 1995 Caterham Super 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 1995 Caterham Super 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (281 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham Super 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham Super 7 | 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Caterham | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Super 7 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 554 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 70 L |
