1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,771 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 525 kg more than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
Model | Spider | Passat |
Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1570 cc | 2771 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
Horse Power | 103 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1525 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |