1985 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1987 Porsche 959
To start off, 1987 Porsche 959 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Porsche 959 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Porsche 959 (450 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 324 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Porsche 959 weights approximately 289 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.
Because 1987 Porsche 959 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1987 Porsche 959 (500 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 322 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (178 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Porsche 959 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1987 Porsche 959 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Porsche |
| Model | Spider | 959 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1960 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 450 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 3.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2270 mm |
