1985 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1997 Jaguar XK8
To start off, 1997 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 12 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 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Jaguar XK8 (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider.
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, 1997 Jaguar XK8 (393 Nm) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (178 Nm). This means 1997 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. 1997 Jaguar XK8 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. 1997 Jaguar XK8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1997 Jaguar XK8 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Jaguar |
| Model | Spider | XK8 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1960 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 236 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2590 mm |
