2006 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,385 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 594 kg more than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (178 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 159 | Spider |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2385 cc | 1960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 10 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1161 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
