2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,908 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 21 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1908 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 70 L |
