1990 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1970 Austin 1800
To start off, 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Austin 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Austin 1800 would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1970 Austin 1800. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1970 Austin 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Austin 1800 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1990 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 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Austin 1800, 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, 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider (157 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Austin 1800. (140 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Austin 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1970 Austin 1800 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | Spider | 1800 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2700 mm |
