2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. (192 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 825 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
Because 2000 Caterham 21 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 21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Caterham | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 21 | 164 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 230 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 | 540 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 70 L |
