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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider (144 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (95 HP @ 5500 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 350 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 (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (151 Nm @ 3500 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 | 1747 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 169 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 87 L |
