1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1983 Ford Meteor
To start off, 1983 Ford Meteor is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,570 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1983 Ford Meteor. (72 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Meteor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 115 kg more than 1983 Ford Meteor. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Meteor, 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, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Meteor. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Meteor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1983 Ford Meteor | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Meteor |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2370 mm |
