2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 8 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider (183 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 7. (170 HP @ 10750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 1165 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 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 2000 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | Spider | 7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1137 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 10750 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 58 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2260 mm |
