1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2009 Ferrari F430
To start off, 2009 Ferrari F430 is newer by 12 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 4,308 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ferrari F430 (503 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 364 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (139 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ferrari F430 weights approximately 73 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Ferrari F430 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 2009 Ferrari F430. 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, 2009 Ferrari F430 (470 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2009 Ferrari F430 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | Spider | F430 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4308 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 503 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 320 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1458 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 17.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 95 L |
