1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1998 Ford Focus
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 17 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 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 146 kg more than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. 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, 1998 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, 1998 Ford Focus (160 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1998 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Focus |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1146 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2620 mm |
