2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 3 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 1,746 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 825 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | 156 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1746 cc | 1137 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 10750 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 58 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2260 mm |
