1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1959 Ford Consul
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Consul 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 92 more horse power than 1959 Ford Consul. (47 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 296 kg more than 1959 Ford Consul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Ford Consul 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 1959 Ford Consul. 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 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Consul. (124 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Consul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1959 Ford Consul | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Consul |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1702 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1089 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 47 L |
