Best Car Reviews - 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider

Introduction

The 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider is a classic, Italian two-seater sports car that exudes timeless elegance and sophisticated charm. Released during an era when sports cars were beginning to focus more on performance and driver involvement, the Alfa Romeo Spider continued to appeal to car enthusiasts with its sleek design and engaging driving experience. Targeted primarily at driving aficionados and collectors, this model stands out due to its distinctive mix of Italian design flair, mechanical simplicity, and enjoyable driving dynamics.

Design and Exterior Features

The design of the 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider captures the essence of an open-top European sports car with its elegant lines and carefully proportioned bodywork. The result of this craftsmanship is a vehicle that, even today, draws admiration and appreciation.

Elegant and timeless body design, characteristic of Alfa Romeo.
Mitchelotti Pininfarina styling, reflecting Italian design at its best.
Classic round headlamps and Alfa Romeo's iconic grille.
Convertible soft-top, offering an authentic roadster experience.
Sleek rear-end styling with a simple yet charismatic look.

Interior and Comfort

Inside the Alfa Romeo Spider, the cabin layout is well thought out, providing both style and practicality despite its compact two-seater design. Quality materials are used throughout, showcasing a blend of durability and classic elegance.

Leather upholstery for enhanced comfort.
Wooden steering wheel, adding a vintage touch to the driving experience.
Simple yet functional dashboard with clear instrument dials.
Snug seating arrangement, contributing to the immersive driving experience.
Limited storage space, with a focus on minimalism.

Performance and Handling

The 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider is powered by a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder FFS engine combined with a 5-speed manual transmission. Although not a powerhouse by modern standards, the Spider provides a nimble and thoroughly engaging drive.

Powerful yet efficient 4-cylinder engine, delivering a spirited ride.
Rear-wheel drive system, enhancing driving dynamics.
0 to 100 km/h acceleration in approximately 10.5 seconds, providing an exhilarating experience.
14.2 l/100 km fuel efficiency, reflecting its heritage performance focus.
Nimble and engaging handling, perfect for city streets and winding country roads alike.

Technology and Connectivity

Despite its vintage nature, the Alfa Romeo Spider provides essential technology features for its time, focusing more on the driving experience rather than modern-day connectivity and infotainment.

Basic analog dials for speedometer and tachometer.
Simple radio unit, reflecting the era's standard.
Manually adjustable seats, emphasizing driving simplicity.
No modern connectivity options or screens.
Focus on mechanical feedback rather than digital enhancements.

Safety Features

Primarily designed for the driving enthusiast, the Alfa Romeo Spider offers basic safety features typical of its era.

Basic safety belts, providing standard protection.
Steel body structure, offering some impact resistance.
Disc brakes on front wheels for better stopping power.
No airbags or advanced safety technologies.
Limited information on crash test ratings due to production era.

Pricing and Variants

The 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider was positioned as a more accessible sports car compared to many others. When adjusted for inflation, it remains a reasonably priced classic for enthusiasts today.

Base price: Approximately $20,000 in 1987, which translates to a competitive price for a classic sports car.
No significant trim variations, as was typical for cars of this era.
Comparatively affordable, when compared to other classic European sports cars.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Classic Italian styling and open-top design.
Engaging manual transmission, providing a true driving experience.
Rear-wheel drive offers dynamic handling.
Timeless appeal and collectibility.
Compact size for easy maneuverability.

Cons

Limited modern technology and safety features.
High fuel consumption, reflective of its vintage nature.
Maintenance can be costly due to its age.
Minimal cargo space, impacting practicality.
Lack of insulation, leading to more cabin noise.

Maintenance and Common Issues

The maintenance cost of the 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider can amount to around $1,200 annually, depending on usage and local service rates. Here are some common issues:

Electrical problems, particularly with older wiring.
Rusting, especially in humid climates.
Leaks in the convertible top, demanding careful maintenance.
Fuel system issues, typical in older models.
Brake wear, necessitating frequent checks.

Rating

Overall, the 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider is a charming classic that scores well in style and driving enjoyment, but falls behind in technology and safety.

Design: 9/10
Comfort: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Technology: 5/10
Safety: 6/10
Overall Rating: 7/10

User Reviews and Feedback

"Driving the Spider is a joy; pure and simple."
"It's a head-turner, wherever I go."
"Mechanically, it requires love and care."
"Lack of modern amenities is noticeable."
"Fuel efficiency isn't its strong point, but worth the experience."

Best cars in this category

1987 Porsche 911
1987 BMW Z1
1987 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
1987 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1987 Lotus Elan

Summary

The 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider is best suited for those who appreciate the art of driving and have a fondness for vintage sports cars with an undeniable Italian charm. While it may not excel in technological advancements or offer modern-day safety features, its design, driving dynamics, and timeless appeal more than make up for these limitations. Overall, the Alfa Romeo Spider delivers an engaging and nostalgic driving experience that continues to captivate enthusiasts.