2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (182 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 27 kg more than 2012 Nissan 370Z.
Because 2012 Nissan 370Z 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 370Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2012 Nissan 370Z has automatic transmission and 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Nissan 370Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Nissan |
| Model | Spider | 370Z |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2197 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
