1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1974 Volvo 140
To start off, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 140. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 140 would be higher. At 2,127 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 140 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 140 (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 140 should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider.
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, 1974 Volvo 140 (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 140 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 | 1974 Volvo 140 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | Spider | 140 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2620 mm |
