Alfa Romeo Spider

vs

Jensen Healey

Italy vs UK — 1971 vs 1973

Alfa Romeo Spider (1971)
Jensen Healey (1973)
Specifications
Spider Veloce 2000Healey Mk I
Horsepower132 hp140 hp
Torque130 lb-ft132 lb-ft
Engine Size1,962 cc1,973 cc
0-60 mph10.2 sec8.1 sec
Top Speed115 mph118 mph
¼ Mile17.5 sec16.2 sec
Weight2,315 lbs2,249 lbs
Wheelbase2,250 mm2,362 mm
Length4,240 mm4,115 mm
Units Produced66,75010,503
Original MSRP$5,995$5,500
Value (Excellent)$55,000$22,000
Collectibility7/106/10
Rarity5/106/10
The Verdict

The 1973 Jensen Healey Mk I emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity. The 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce 2000 counters with stronger collectibility, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.

Overview

When Italy engineering meets UK craftsmanship, the result is one of the most compelling matchups in the classic car world. The 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce 2000 and 1973 Jensen Healey Mk I embody their respective national automotive traditions while competing in the same arena. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce 2000 producing 132 hp and the 1973 Jensen Healey Mk I delivering 140 hp. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1973 Jensen Healey Mk I edges ahead at 8.1 seconds versus 10.2 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 10,503 units built, the 1973 Jensen Healey Mk I is considerably scarcer than the Alfa Romeo Spider's 66,750 examples.