1985 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1999 Volvo S70
To start off, 1999 Volvo S70 is newer by 14 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 2,317 cc (5 cylinders), 1999 Volvo S70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volvo S70 (238 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volvo S70 should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volvo S70 weights approximately 339 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, 1999 Volvo S70, 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, 1999 Volvo S70 (330 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (178 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Volvo S70 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 | 1999 Volvo S70 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | Spider | S70 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1960 cc | 2317 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 58 L |
