1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 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 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 175 kg more than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1981 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 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2590 mm |
