1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1979 Dodge Omni
To start off, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Omni. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Omni would be higher. At 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Omni is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1979 Dodge Omni. (64 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1979 Dodge Omni.
Because 1981 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 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Dodge Omni, 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, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Dodge Omni. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Dodge Omni.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1979 Dodge Omni | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Dodge |
| Model | Spider | Omni |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| 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 | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2530 mm |
