2002 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider. (139 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 960 kg more than 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider. (163 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2009 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Passat |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
