1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2007 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2007 Toyota Corolla is newer by 26 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Toyota Corolla (190 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 285 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, 2007 Toyota Corolla, 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, 2007 Toyota Corolla (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Toyota Corolla 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 | 2007 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
| Model | Spider | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2610 mm |
