1996 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,969 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 585 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 34 L |
