1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2012 Nissan NV
To start off, 2012 Nissan NV is newer by 15 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan NV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan NV (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (139 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan NV should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan NV weights approximately 1270 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan NV 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 2012 Nissan NV. 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, 2012 Nissan NV (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan NV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2012 Nissan NV has automatic transmission and 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Nissan NV will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2012 Nissan NV | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Nissan |
| Model | Spider | NV |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 2655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 6111 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2029 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 2131 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3711 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 106 L |
