1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2009 Alpina Roadster
To start off, 2009 Alpina Roadster is newer by 28 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 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Alpina Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina Roadster (296 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina Roadster should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina Roadster weights approximately 395 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Alpina Roadster (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina Roadster 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 | 2009 Alpina Roadster | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alpina |
| Model | Spider | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 3346 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 362 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 93.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2500 mm |
