1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2008 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2008 Fiat Panda is newer by 27 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 1,570 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2008 Fiat Panda. (54 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 160 kg more than 2008 Fiat Panda. 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, 2008 Fiat Panda, 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 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat Panda. (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2008 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | Spider | Panda |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1106 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2310 mm |
