1975 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (138 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider. (132 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 554 kg more than 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
1975 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
Model | Spider | Passat |
Year Released | 1975 | 2012 |
Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 132 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 181 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1594 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4771 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1516 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2712 mm |