2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 9 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 7. (170 HP @ 10750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 1280 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, 2009 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | 159 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1137 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 10750 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 58 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 231 km/hour | 212 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 | 1720 kg | 440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2260 mm |
