1970 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 27 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 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 210 kg more than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, 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, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. (138 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Sunfire 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 | 1997 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | Spider | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 2200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2650 mm |
