1985 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1983 Ford Escort
To start off, 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,960 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1983 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 211 kg more than 1983 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider (178 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1983 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Escort |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1960 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2400 mm |
