2004 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider (237 HP) has 183 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (54 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 494 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Cortina 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 1976 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 Alfa Romeo Spider (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 54 HP |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
