1971 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider (131 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 291 kg more than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (285 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
