1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1988 Saab 900
To start off, 1988 Saab 900 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1988 Saab 900. (101 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1988 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 900 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider.
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, 1988 Saab 900, 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, 1988 Saab 900 (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 900 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 | 1988 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Saab |
| Model | Spider | 900 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2530 mm |
