2009 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2008 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 347 kg more than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Ford Explorer 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 2008 Ford Explorer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2008 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2385 cc | 4013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 2077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3320 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 85 L |
