2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1957 Ford Escort
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1957 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 918 kg more than 1957 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Ford Escort 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 1957 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 329 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1957 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Escort |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | 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 | 1735 kg | 817 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2220 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 31 L |
