1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2009 Cadillac STS
To start off, 2009 Cadillac STS 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 3,599 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac STS (302 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac STS weights approximately 635 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 Cadillac STS (369 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac STS 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 Cadillac STS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Cadillac |
| Model | Spider | STS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 3599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 369 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2960 mm |
