1980 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1996 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 16 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 3,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Caravan (164 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 925 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, 1996 Dodge Caravan, 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 Dodge Caravan (307 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. (149 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan 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 | 1996 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Dodge |
| Model | Spider | Caravan |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 3778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 307 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2880 mm |
