1974 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2009 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,751 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (113 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 327 kg more than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus, 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, 2009 Ford Focus (250 Nm) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2009 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Focus |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1311 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2620 mm |
