2000 Caterham 21 vs. 2000 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, both 2000 Caterham 21 and 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 were released in the same year (2000). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 675 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, 2000 Alfa Romeo 146, 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 21 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Caterham | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 21 | 146 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 61 L |
