2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1990 Renault Alpine
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Renault Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Renault Alpine would be higher. At 2,458 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Renault Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1990 Renault Alpine. (182 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1990 Renault Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Renault Alpine weights approximately 750 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1990 Renault Alpine (290 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 1990 Renault Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1990 Renault Alpine | |
| Make | Caterham | Renault |
| Model | 7 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 91.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2350 mm |
