1985 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1996 Buick Skylark
To start off, 1996 Buick Skylark is newer by 11 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 3,130 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Skylark (155 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Skylark weights approximately 162 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 1985 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 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Buick Skylark, 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, 1996 Buick Skylark (252 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (178 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. 1996 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Skylark will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1996 Buick Skylark | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Buick |
| Model | Spider | Skylark |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1960 cc | 3130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 1323 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 57 L |
