1980 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1979 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,570 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider (105 HP) has 56 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 55 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider (149 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1979 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2480 mm |
