1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 16 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider (139 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 385 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 | 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Spider | Spider |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2600 mm |
