2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 1,370 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (104 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 720 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, 2001 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, both vehicles can yield 125 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Caterham | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 7 | 146 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1370 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 64.9 mm |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 187 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 | 440 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2550 mm |
