1998 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2008 Opel Speedster
To start off, 2008 Opel Speedster is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Opel Speedster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Speedster (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Speedster should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 345 kg more than 2008 Opel Speedster.
Because 2008 Opel Speedster 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 2008 Opel Speedster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2008 Opel Speedster (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Speedster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2008 Opel Speedster | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | Spider | Speedster |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 36 L |
