1983 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 445 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.
Because 1983 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 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. (183 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Spider | 156 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 63 L |
