1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (270 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (139 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 163 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (186 Nm). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2003 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
