1980 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 1988 Saab 9000 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 9000 (175 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 9000 weights approximately 333 kg more than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. 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, 1988 Saab 9000, 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, 1988 Saab 9000 (278 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. (149 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Saab |
| Model | Spider | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2670 mm |
