1976 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (183 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 635 kg more than 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (230 Nm) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider. (122 Nm). This means 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Spider | 159 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
