2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. (157 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 156 | Spider |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.6 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2260 mm |
