1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1991 Buick Reatta
To start off, 1991 Buick Reatta is newer by 10 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Buick Reatta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Buick Reatta (165 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Buick Reatta should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Buick Reatta weights approximately 532 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.
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, 1991 Buick Reatta, 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, 1991 Buick Reatta (286 Nm) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm). This means 1991 Buick Reatta 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 | 1991 Buick Reatta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Buick |
| Model | Spider | Reatta |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1532 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2510 mm |
