2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1958 Ford Escort
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford Escort would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1958 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 728 kg more than 1958 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 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 1958 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 (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 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 1958 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1958 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Escort |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 92.5 mm |
| 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 | 1545 kg | 817 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2220 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 31 L |
