1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2002 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 21 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 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet Impala (180 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 535 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, 2002 Chevrolet Impala, 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, 2002 Chevrolet Impala (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Impala 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 | 2002 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Chevrolet |
| Model | Spider | Impala |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 3350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2810 mm |
