1985 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1981 Ferrari 208
To start off, 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 208 (153 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 208 weights approximately 144 kg more than 1985 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, 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider (178 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 208. (170 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 208.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1981 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | Spider | 208 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1960 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 71 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2350 mm |
