1972 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 394 kg more than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 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 (172 Nm) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1374 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 |
