1980 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2003 Fiat Barchetta
To start off, 2003 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 23 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 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Fiat Barchetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Fiat Barchetta (129 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Fiat Barchetta weights approximately 62 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, 2003 Fiat Barchetta, 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, 2003 Fiat Barchetta (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. (149 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Fiat Barchetta 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 | 2003 Fiat Barchetta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | Spider | Barchetta |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1062 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2280 mm |
