1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2008 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider (155 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 263 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Ford Focus 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 2008 Ford Focus. 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 (187 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2008 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Focus |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
