1971 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1956 Buick 40
To start off, 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,279 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Buick 40 (252 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (131 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Buick 40 weights approximately 550 kg more than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. 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, 1956 Buick 40 (462 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1956 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1956 Buick 40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Buick |
| Model | Spider | 40 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 5279 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 462 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3110 mm |
