2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1998 Alfa Romeo 155
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo 155. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 155. (118 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 155. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 weights approximately 830 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
Because 2000 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 2000 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 155, 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 | |
| Make | Caterham | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 7 | 155 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 75.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1450 mm |
