1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2009 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2009 Pontiac Solstice is newer by 12 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 2,384 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Pontiac Solstice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Pontiac Solstice (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (139 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 53 kg more than 2009 Pontiac Solstice.
Because 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 2009 Pontiac Solstice. 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 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Pontiac Solstice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2009 Pontiac Solstice | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | Spider | Solstice |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2384 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| 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 | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 49 L |
