1982 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP) has 89 more horse power than 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider. (108 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 162 kg more than 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2006 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 197 HP |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2580 mm |
