2009 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1988 Porsche 944
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Porsche 944 (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 214 kg more than 1988 Porsche 944.
Because 1988 Porsche 944 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 1988 Porsche 944. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1988 Porsche 944 (205 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1988 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Porsche |
| Model | Spider | 944 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
