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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 21. (230 HP @ 8600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 870 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (305 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 21.
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 | 3179 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2230 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 100 L |
