Alfa Romeo Spider

Alfa Romeo Spider: generations: what actually changed when you pick a year

Same name, different cars: distinguish by horsepower (and, for the two 3 generation 3.2 MT cars, by drive).

1 generation (1964-01-01–1995-04-30, Cabrio, 9 versions) is the only RWD Spider here. Ground clearance is 125 mm. Rear suspension is Dependent, spring; front is Independent, spring. Gearboxes are Manual 5 except 2.0 AT (120 hp), which is Automatic 3. Kerb weight is measured only on some versions: 1.6 MT (109 hp) 1240 kg; 2.0 MT (121 hp), 2.0 MT (126 hp) and 2.0 MT (120 hp) 1280 kg. The rest of 1 generation kerb weight is not measured. Tank size is not measured. This generation is the lightest measured Spider and the only one with Carburetor (1.8 MT 113 hp, 2.0 MT 121 hp) and Central injection (single-point or single- point) (2.0 MT 125 hp).

2 generation (1995-06-01–2005-12-31, Cabrio, 9 versions) switches the whole range to FWD and Independent, spring at both ends. Ground clearance drops 5 mm to 120 mm. Tank is 70 l on every version. Front brakes are Ventilated disc; rear are Disc. The lightest cars are 1.8 MT (144 hp) and 2.0 MT (155 hp) at 1350 kg kerb — 70–110 kg more than the measured 1 generation 2.0-litre cars. The heaviest is 3.2 MT (240 hp) at 1470 kg. All nine engines are Gasoline. There is no Diesel and no AWD in 2 generation.

3 generation (2005-03-01–2011-01-31, Cabrio, 10 versions) keeps Cabrio, 120 mm clearance, 70 l tank and Independent, spring all round, but the kerb floor jumps to 1530 kg (1.8 MT 200 hp, 2.0 MT 170 hp, 2.4 MT 210 hp). That is 180 kg more than 2 generation 1.8 MT (144 hp) and 260 kg more than 1 generation 2.0 MT (126 hp). The range adds Diesel, Turbo Gasoline, Robotic, Automatic 6, and the only AWD cars in the model: 3.2 AT (260 hp) and 3.2 MT (260 hp, AWD). Front brakes are Disc (not the Ventilated disc label of 2 generation). Wheel size is not measured on any generation.

Engines and specs

Same name, different cars: distinguish by horsepower (and, for the two 3 generation 3.2 MT cars, by drive).

3 generation

2 generation — all Gasoline 95, FWD, Manual

1 generation — all Gasoline, RWD

Engine location is Front, transverse only where measured: 3 generation 2.4 MT (200 hp), 2.2 TCT (185 hp), 2.2 MT (185 hp), 3.2 AT (260 hp), 3.2 MT (260 hp AWD). Elsewhere it is not measured.

Performance, mpg, 0–100

Fastest 0–100 km/h in the whole model is 2 generation 3.2 MT (240 hp) at 6.5 s. Next is 2 generation 3.0 MT (218 hp) at 6.8 s. 3 generation’s best is 7.0 s on both AWD 3.2 AT (260 hp) and AWD 3.2 MT (260 hp) — 0.5 s slower than 2 generation 3.2 MT (240 hp) despite 20 extra hp, because kerb weight is 1695–1765 kg versus 1470 kg (225–295 kg more). 3 generation FWD 3.2 MT (260 hp) is 7.2 s and 250 km/h — the highest top speed in 3 generation; 2 generation 3.2 MT (240 hp) is still 8 km/h slower at 242 km/h but quicker off the line.

Power per litre (hp ÷ litres): 3 generation 1.8 MT (200 hp) 114 hp/l; 2 generation 2.0 MT (202 hp) Turbo V-shaped 6 101 hp/l; 3 generation 2.0 MT (170 hp) Diesel 87 hp/l; 2 generation 3.2 MT (240 hp) 75 hp/l; 1 generation 1.6 MT (109 hp) 70 hp/l; 1 generation 1.3 MT (87 hp) 67 hp/l.

Weight per hp (measured kerb only): 2 generation 3.2 MT (240 hp) 6.1 kg/hp; 2 generation 3.0 MT (218 hp) and 3.0 MT (220 hp) 6.5 kg/hp; 3 generation FWD 3.2 MT (260 hp) 6.5 kg/hp; 3 generation AWD 3.2 MT (260 hp) 6.5 kg/hp; 3 generation 1.8 MT (200 hp) 7.7 kg/hp; 3 generation 2.0 MT (170 hp) 9.0 kg/hp; 1 generation 2.0 MT (126 hp) 10.2 kg/hp; 1 generation 1.6 MT (109 hp) 11.4 kg/hp.

Mixed consumption, lowest to highest among measured values: 3 generation 2.0 MT (170 hp) 5.4; 2.4 MT (200 hp) and 2.4 MT (210 hp) 6.8; 2.4 AT (200 hp) 7.9; 1.8 MT (200 hp) 8.1; 1 generation 2.0 MT (120 hp) 8.7; 2 generation 1.8 MT (144 hp) 8.9; 2 generation 2.0 MT (155/165/150 hp) 9.2; 3 generation 2.2 MT (185 hp) 9.4; 2 generation 3.0 MT (192 hp) 9.5; 1 generation 1.6 MT (109 hp) 9.7; 3 generation 2.2 TCT (185 hp) 10.4; 2 generation 3.0 MT (218 hp) 11.7; 3 generation AWD 3.2 MT (260 hp) 11.5; AWD 3.2 AT (260 hp) 12.2; 2 generation 3.2 MT (240 hp) 13.2. Not measured: 3 generation FWD 3.2 MT (260 hp); 2 generation 2.0 MT (202 hp) and 3.0 MT (220 hp); almost all of 1 generation except 1.6 MT (109 hp) and 2.0 MT (120 hp). CO2 is not measured on any version. Eco class is measured only on 3 generation 2.4 AT (200 hp) and 2.4 MT (210 hp): Euro 4.

Peak torque arrives earliest on 3 generation 1.8 MT (200 hp) at 1400 rpm (320 Nm) and 2.4 MT (210 hp) at 1500 rpm (400 Nm). 2 generation V-shaped 6 cars need 3800–5000 rpm for 260–289 Nm. 1 generation 1.3 MT (87 hp) peaks at 4800 rpm with 104 Nm — 216 Nm less than 3 generation 2.4 MT (200 hp).

Dimensions and weight

Length is not measured. Wheel size is not measured. Ground clearance is 125 mm (1 generation) or 120 mm (2 and 3 generation). Tank is 70 l from 2 generation onward; 1 generation tank is not measured.

Kerb span: 1240 kg (1 generation 1.6 MT 109 hp) to 1765 kg (3 generation 3.2 AT 260 hp) — 525 kg. Gross weight is measured mainly in 2 generation (1600–1730 kg) and on four 3 generation cars: 2.4 MT (200 hp) 1955 kg, 2.2 TCT (185 hp) 1965 kg, 2.2 MT (185 hp) 1830 kg, AWD 3.2 MT (260 hp) 1990 kg, 3.2 AT (260 hp) 2065 kg. 1 generation gross weight is not measured. Payload where both figures exist: 2 generation 1.8 MT (144 hp) 250 kg (1600−1350); 3 generation 2.2 MT (185 hp) 295 kg (1830−1535); 3 generation 3.2 AT (260 hp) 300 kg (2065−1765).

Which version to choose

Buy 2 generation 3.2 MT (240 hp) if the number that matters is 0–100 km/h. It is 0.3 s quicker than 3.0 MT (218 hp) in the same generation and 0.5 s quicker than any 3 generation 260 hp car, at 220 kg less than 3 generation AWD 3.2 MT (260 hp). The cost in the data is fuel: 13.2 l/100 km mixed versus 11.5 on the later AWD 3.2 MT (260 hp) and versus 8.9 on 2 generation 1.8 MT (144 hp) — 4.3 l/100 km more than that 1.8.

Buy 2 generation 3.0 MT (218 hp) if you want most of that speed with a 6-speed Manual and 6.8 s, still 1420 kg. Do not confuse it with 3.0 MT (220 hp): same 2959 cm³, same 265 Nm, same 1420 kg, but 7.3 s, 225 km/h instead of 235, and consumption not measured; nor with 3.0 MT (192 hp): 2 valves per cylinder instead of 4, 5 gears, 7.3 s, 9.5 mixed.

Buy 2 generation 2.0 MT (202 hp) if you want Turbo in a 1996 cm³ V-shaped 6 without stepping up to 3.0. It is 7.7 s and 228 km/h at 1430 kg — 0.4 s slower than 3 generation 1.8 MT (200 hp) but 100 kg lighter. Consumption is not measured. The other three 2 generation 2.0 MT cars are Inline 4, No boost: 155 hp / 8.4 s / 1350 kg; 165 hp / 8.1 s / 1405 kg (Direct injection (direct), compression 11.3 vs 10.1); 150 hp / 8.4 s / 1370 kg. The 165 hp car buys 10 hp and 0.3 s over the 155 hp car for 55 kg extra kerb; mixed consumption stays 9.2.

Buy 3 generation 1.8 MT (200 hp) if you want the highest specific output and early torque without Diesel. Versus 2 generation 1.8 MT (144 hp): +56 hp, −1.2 s (7.8 vs 9.0), +30 km/h (235 vs 205), +180 kg, mixed 8.1 vs 8.9. Versus 3 generation 2.2 MT (185 hp): +15 hp, +90 Nm, −1.0 s, +13 km/h, −5 kg, mixed 8.1 vs 9.4. Turbo and Distributed injection (multi-point) sit on a 9.5 compression ratio; the 2.2s are No boost, Direct injection (direct), 11.3.

Do not buy 3 generation 2.2 TCT (185 hp) for speed. Same 185 hp and 230 Nm as 2.2 MT (185 hp), but Robotic instead of Manual, 2190 vs 2198 cm³, 9.8 s vs 8.8 s (+1.0 s), 212 vs 222 km/h, 1605 vs 1535 kg, mixed 10.4 vs 9.4. The Robotic car is the slowest measured 3 generation Spider.

Buy 3 generation 2.0 MT (170 hp) for mpg. Mixed 5.4 is 2.7 l/100 km below 1.8 MT (200 hp) and 6.1 below AWD 3.2 AT (260 hp). 0–100 is 9.0 s — 1.2 s slower than 1.8 MT (200 hp), same 1530 kg. It is the only 2-valves-per-cylinder Diesel; the 2.4 MT cars are 5 Inline, 4 valves, 400 Nm.

Between the three 3 generation 2.4 Diesels: 2.4 MT (210 hp) is the one to take if you want Diesel and a Manual: 8.1 s, 231 km/h, 1530 kg, Euro 4, mixed 6.8. 2.4 MT (200 hp) is 8.4 s, 228 km/h, 1660 kg kerb and 1955 kg gross — 130 kg heavier for 10 hp less; mixed still 6.8. 2.4 AT (200 hp) is Automatic 6, 8.5 s, 225 km/h, Euro 4, mixed 7.9; kerb is not measured. Automatic costs 0.1 s and 3 km/h versus the 200 hp Manual, and 1.1 l/100 km mixed.

Between the three 3 generation 3.2 cars: FWD 3.2 MT (260 hp) is 7.2 s, 250 km/h, 1690 kg, Gasoline 98, consumption not measured, rear brakes Disc ventilated. AWD 3.2 MT (260 hp) is 7.0 s, 240 km/h, 1695 kg, Gasoline 95, mixed 11.5. AWD 3.2 AT (260 hp) matches 7.0 s and 240 km/h but 1765 kg (+70 kg vs AWD Manual) and 12.2 mixed. AWD buys 0.2 s versus FWD Manual and loses 10 km/h; Automatic AWD buys the same 7.0 s as AWD Manual at 70 kg and 0.7 l/100 km extra.

Buy 1 generation only if RWD is the requirement. It is the sole RWD generation. Among measured 1 generation cars, 2.0 MT (126 hp) and 2.0 MT (131 hp) share 10.4 s and 190 km/h; 2.0 MT (120 hp) matches those figures with mixed 8.7 — the lowest measured 1 generation mixed — at 1280 kg. 1.6 MT (109 hp) is the lightest Spider (1240 kg) but the slowest measured (11.3 s, 180 km/h). 1.3 MT (87 hp) has no measured 0–100, top speed, consumption or kerb. 2.0 AT (120 hp) is the only Automatic in 1 generation (3 gears); 0–100, top speed, consumption and kerb are not measured. 1.8 MT (113 hp) is Carburetor; performance is not measured.

Reliability and problems are not in this dataset. What the numbers do show: 1 generation leaves more fields not measured than later cars; 3 generation is the only one with Diesel, AWD, Robotic, Euro 4 and a 70 l tank plus kerb from 1530 kg up; 2 generation still holds the best 0–100 and the lowest kg/hp. There are no sale prices in the data, so “extra money” here means extra displacement, cylinders, boost, gears or driven wheels — and the table above is what those extras buy.