2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider (236 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle. (85 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 264 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle 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 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle. (140 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Caravelle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 2050 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
