2001 Acura RL vs. 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider
To start off, 2001 Acura RL is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (131 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Acura RL weights approximately 635 kg more than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL, 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, 2001 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura RL | 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider | |
| Make | Acura | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | RL | Spider |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 1962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2260 mm |
