2000 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. (120 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 790 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, 2000 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | 156 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2230 mm |
