1983 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 670 kg more than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. (183 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2880 mm |
