2002 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2004 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider. (139 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 362 kg more than 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider. (163 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2004 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 3933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1712 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
