1980 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1971 Citroen GS
To start off, 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Citroen GS would be higher. At 1,570 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1971 Citroen GS. (55 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 110 kg more than 1971 Citroen GS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Citroen GS, 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, 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider (149 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen GS. (72 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1971 Citroen GS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Citroen |
| Model | Spider | GS |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1015 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 59 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2560 mm |
