2009 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1995 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 2,385 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1995 Caterham Super 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1995 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 1176 kg more than 1995 Caterham Super 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Caterham Super 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 1995 Caterham Super 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham Super 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1995 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Caterham |
| Model | Spider | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2385 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 185 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 | 1730 kg | 554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1100 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 30 L |
