1974 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, 1996 Opel Astra is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1996 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Astra weights approximately 276 kg more than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1974 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 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Opel Astra, 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, 1996 Opel Astra (165 Nm) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 1996 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1996 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | Spider | Astra |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2400 mm |
