2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. (192 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 825 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Caterham | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 7 | 164 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2670 mm |
