2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2000 Caterham 21
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 21 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 798 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
Because 2000 Caterham 21 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 21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2000 Caterham 21 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2000 Caterham 21 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | 156 | 21 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1338 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2230 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 100 L |
