2000 Caterham 21 vs. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 21 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 21. (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 995 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 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 Alfa Romeo 156 (306 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 21. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham 21 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham 21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Caterham | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 21 | 156 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 63 L |
