1970 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 170 kg more than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (156 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. (138 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2003 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Golf |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 55 L |
