1990 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,501 cc, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1990 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 1990 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 (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. (157 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2006 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2580 mm |
