2009 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1997 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1997 Holden Commodore. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1997 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Holden Commodore weights approximately 62 kg more than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1997 Holden Commodore 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 1997 Holden Commodore. 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, 1997 Holden Commodore (304 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. 1997 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1997 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Holden |
| Model | Spider | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1548 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2950 mm |
