1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1954 Buick 40
To start off, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,279 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Buick 40 (193 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1954 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Buick 40 weights approximately 720 kg more than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1954 Buick 40 (410 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1954 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1954 Buick 40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Buick |
| Model | Spider | 40 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 5279 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 193 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1720 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3110 mm |
