2001 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 145 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 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 145. (103 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 145 weights approximately 835 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 145, 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:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo 145 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | 145 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1370 cc | 1137 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 10750 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.9 mm | 58 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2260 mm |
