1969 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 330 kg more than 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider (170 Nm) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (168 Nm). This means 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Passat |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1779 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
