2001 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo 145 would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 145. (103 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 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 735 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
Because 2004 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 2004 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 145. (125 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo 145 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | 145 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1370 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.9 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2230 mm |
