1996 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,969 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (169 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 39 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
