1983 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1998 Ford Focus
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 15 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 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 2 more horse power than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 106 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.
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, 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, 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider (183 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (160 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1998 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Focus |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1146 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
