1969 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1986 Volvo 242
To start off, 1986 Volvo 242 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Volvo 242 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1986 Volvo 242. (97 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1986 Volvo 242. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Volvo 242 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider.
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, 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider (170 Nm) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volvo 242. (157 Nm). This means 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volvo 242.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1986 Volvo 242 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | Spider | 242 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1779 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2660 mm |
