2009 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (257 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 560 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (322 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | Spider | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3195 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 257 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 322 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2630 mm |
