1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2002 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2002 Panoz AIV is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (139 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 205 kg more than 2002 Panoz AIV.
Because 2002 Panoz AIV 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 2002 Panoz AIV. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 2002 Panoz AIV (408 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2002 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Panoz |
| Model | Spider | AIV |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 408 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
