1995 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 17 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1995 Caterham Super 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1995 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 1166 kg more than 1995 Caterham Super 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham Super 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Caterham | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Super 7 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 554 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 70 L |
