Alfa Romeo Spider 1995–2004 car dimensions: 4285 mm long, 1780 mm wide and 1315 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,350 kg. Braked towing is 1,000 kg.
The cabin is a pure two-seater with driver-oriented instruments and a redesigned console after the 1998 update. Semi-automatic climate control with pollen filter is standard on many examples while full automatic climate is optional. Power windows, height-and-reach adjustable steering wheel, heated electric mirrors, central locking and ABS are fitted. No advanced driver aids appear in period equipment lists.
Boot volume is 147 litres, or 110 litres when a mini spare is fitted. The space is usable for soft bags on short trips but limited for larger luggage.
Braked towing capacity is 1000 kg and unbraked is 500 kg. Payload is approximately 250 kg. The car is a two-seat roadster with no heavy-duty cooling or reinforced suspension listed, so it is suited only to light leisure towing rather than regular work use.
The cabin is a two-seater space with supportive sports seats that offer good side hold and room for long legs. The driver-focused layout has clear dials, a steering wheel adjustable for height and reach, and electric windows as standard. Cloth trim is basic. Momo leather and electric heated tilting seats are options on higher grades. A high rear collar cuts wind with the soft top down. Climate control is optional.
Petrol engine with combined fuel use of 8.9 l/100 km.
Oil change interval originally 20,000 km. experts advise 10,000 km or yearly.
Timing belt change every 36,000 miles or three years.
ABS standard with discs all round.
Driver airbag standard. passenger airbag standard or optional by grade.
Seatbelt pretensioners and door side-impact bars fitted.
The 1.8 T.Spark runs on petrol and returns 12.9 l/100 km in town, 6.5 l/100 km on the open road and 8.9 l/100 km combined. The tank holds 70 litres.
Servicing centres on regular oil and filter changes plus the cambelt, which must be renewed every three years or 36,000 miles together with the tensioner and water pump. The Twin Spark unit is durable when oil levels are kept up, though it can use oil between services. Suspension bushes and electrical items need watching as the car ages.
Safety kit includes ABS, dual front airbags, pretensioners and side-impact bars in the doors. The structure was engineered to meet US crash standards with reinforced sills and controlled deformation zones. No side airbags or stability control were fitted. The soft top has a high collar that reduces buffeting.
Length 4285 mm, Width 1780 mm, Height 1315 mm, Wheelbase 2540 mm (Spider 1995–2004)
Sources: manufacturer data, Alfa Romeo technical specification in the 67th Turin International Motor Show press release, 20 April 1998, Alfa Spider 1.8 T.Spark column, The same release makes the driver's airbag standard on the medium trim, lists the passenger airbag as optional.