1998 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 910 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
Because 2000 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 2000 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | Spider | 7 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1137 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 10750 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 58 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2260 mm |
