1985 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 24 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 1,960 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 327 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, 2009 Honda Civic, 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, 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider (178 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 2009 Honda Civic 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. 2009 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Honda |
| Model | Spider | Civic |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1960 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
