1974 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Jetta (115 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 382 kg more than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2005 Volkswagen Jetta (165 Nm) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 2005 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2005 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1974 | 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 | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1366 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2690 mm |
