1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2008 Ford Ka
To start off, 2008 Ford Ka is newer by 27 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 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2008 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Ka weights approximately 136 kg more than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider.
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, 2008 Ford Ka, 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2008 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Ka |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1136 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2460 mm |
