1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 31 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (161 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 586 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, 2012 Mazda CX-7, 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, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (218 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda CX-7 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 | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | Spider | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1586 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2751 mm |
