2005 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1974 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 440 kg more than 1974 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1974 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 87 L |
