1971 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1988 Saab 900i
To start off, 1988 Saab 900i is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Saab 900i is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 900i (135 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (131 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 900i should accelerate faster than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 900i weights approximately 245 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.
Because 1971 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 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Saab 900i, 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, 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Saab 900i. (172 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Saab 900i.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1988 Saab 900i | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Saab |
| Model | Spider | 900i |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2720 mm |
