1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1970 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Cortina 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 71 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (68 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 425 kg more than 1970 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Ford Cortina 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 1970 Ford Cortina. 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 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (115 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1970 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| 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 | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2570 mm |
