1982 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,570 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider (108 HP) has 49 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 120 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Passat |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2480 mm |
