2007 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1995 Caterham 21
To start off, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Caterham 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Caterham 21 would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 (182 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1995 Caterham 21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1995 Caterham 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 967 kg more than 1995 Caterham 21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 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 1995 Caterham 21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham 21. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1995 Caterham 21 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | 159 | 21 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 211 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 | 1615 kg | 648 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1070 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
