2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider (149 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 275 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis 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 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | Spider | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
