1971 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1989 Saab 900
To start off, 1989 Saab 900 is newer by 18 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), 1989 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider (131 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1989 Saab 900. (100 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1989 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Saab 900 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider.
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, 1989 Saab 900, 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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Saab 900. (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1989 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Saab |
| Model | Spider | 900 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| 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 | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2530 mm |
