2005 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 1,908 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 147. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 147. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 weights approximately 835 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Because 2003 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 2003 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 147, 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 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 147. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 147.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | 147 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1908 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2230 mm |
