1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2340 mm |
