1971 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1956 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 212 kg more than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1956 Ford Zodiac (187 Nm) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 1956 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1956 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1287 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2720 mm |
