2009 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 3,546 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Highlander (271 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander 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 400 kg more than 2008 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2008 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander will offer significantly more control. 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 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota Highlander. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota Highlander. 2008 Toyota Highlander 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. 2008 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2008 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
| Model | Spider | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2385 cc | 3546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
