1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2002 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2002 Smart ForTwo 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider (139 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 580 kg more than 2002 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Smart ForTwo 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 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2002 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Smart |
| Model | Spider | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
