1970 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 140 kg more than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. (138 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | Spider | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2630 mm |
