1974 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 36 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 481 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, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 2010 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 | 2010 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2010 |
| 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 | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4554 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1458 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2578 mm |
