1980 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 18 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 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 128 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, 1998 Mazda 323, 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. (149 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 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 | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | Spider | 323 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2520 mm |
