1996 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 35 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will offer significantly more control. 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 Jetta (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
