1999 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Alfa Romeo 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 weights approximately 735 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145, 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, 2000 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | 145 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2230 mm |
