1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1958 Ford 17
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford 17 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider (139 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1958 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 270 kg more than 1958 Ford 17. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Ford 17 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 1958 Ford 17. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford 17. (129 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1958 Ford 17 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | 17 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
