1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2006 Ford E-350
To start off, 2006 Ford E-350 is newer by 25 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 5,407 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford E-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford E-350 (255 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford E-350 should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford E-350 weights approximately 1856 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, 2006 Ford E-350, 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, 2006 Ford E-350 (475 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Ford E-350 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 | 2006 Ford E-350 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | E-350 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 5407 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 12 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 2856 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 2120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3510 mm |
