2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1997 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 11 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Falcon (301 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (183 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Falcon weights approximately 69 kg more than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 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, 1997 Ford Falcon (515 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1997 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Falcon |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1674 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
