1985 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2003 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 18 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 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 274 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 319 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.
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, 2003 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 378 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (178 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2003 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1960 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 556 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 68 L |
