1983 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1982 Ford Escort
To start off, 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1982 Ford Escort. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 116 kg more than 1982 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Ford Escort, 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, 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider (183 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Escort. (137 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1982 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Escort |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 924 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
