1996 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (176 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 21 kg more than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | Spider | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 3350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1406 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
