1983 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1979 Datsun 280
To start off, 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Datsun 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Datsun 280 would be higher. At 2,751 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Datsun 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Datsun 280 (140 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Datsun 280 should accelerate faster than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Datsun 280 weights approximately 232 kg more than 1983 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, 1979 Datsun 280 (202 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. (183 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Datsun 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1979 Datsun 280 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Datsun |
| Model | Spider | 280 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 2751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1272 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2530 mm |
