1990 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 22 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 240 kg more than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. (157 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2578 mm |
