1985 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1998 Ford Focus
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,960 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 8 kg more than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. 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, 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, both vehicles can yield 178 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1998 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Focus |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1960 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 198 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 10.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 1169 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
