1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (134 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 860 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Because 2003 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 2003 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
Model | 156 | 7 |
Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 134 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7500 RPM |
Torque | 304 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 80.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 89.3 mm |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 490 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3110 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 810 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2230 mm |