2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1997 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider (248 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1997 Ford Falcon. (205 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Falcon weights approximately 45 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1997 Ford Falcon 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 1997 Ford Falcon. 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, 1997 Ford Falcon (357 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (305 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. 1997 Ford Falcon has automatic transmission and 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1997 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Falcon |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 3984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 357 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2800 mm |
