2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
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 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 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 1125 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
Because 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2000 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (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 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | 156 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 460 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2230 mm |
