2000 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider (155 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 457 kg more than 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1979 Ford Thunderbird 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 1979 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider. (163 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
