2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. (207 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 1300 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
Because 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (401 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Caterham | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 7 | 159 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2710 mm |
