1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1996 Volvo S40 is newer by 15 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo S40 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo S40 weights approximately 230 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, 1996 Volvo S40, 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 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo S40. (143 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
Model | Spider | S40 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 103 HP | 104 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 143 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1230 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4490 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2560 mm |