2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2000 Caterham C21
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham C21 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 900 kg more than 2000 Caterham C21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 Caterham C21 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 C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166, 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 166 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2000 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | 166 | C21 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2260 mm |
