1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1994 Volvo 480
To start off, 1994 Volvo 480 is newer by 13 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Volvo 480 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volvo 480 (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster 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, 1994 Volvo 480, 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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Volvo 480. (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Volvo 480.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1994 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | Spider | 480 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2510 mm |
