1972 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 41 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 481 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 1972 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 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 92 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 | 980 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2803 mm |
