1971 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1996 Ford Probe
To start off, 1996 Ford Probe is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider (131 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1996 Ford Probe. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Probe weights approximately 190 kg more than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Probe, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Probe. (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Probe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1996 Ford Probe | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Probe |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2620 mm |
