1980 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 25 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 250 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156, 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 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (147 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Spider | 156 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 75.7 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 | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
