2009 Alpina Roadster vs. 1992 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 2009 Alpina Roadster is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Alpina Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina Roadster (296 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1992 Caterham Super 7. (251 HP @ 7750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina Roadster should accelerate faster than 1992 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina Roadster weights approximately 855 kg more than 1992 Caterham Super 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Alpina Roadster (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Caterham Super 7. (250 Nm @ 6250 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina Roadster | 1992 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | Alpina | Caterham |
| Model | Roadster | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 265 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2260 mm |
