2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider (183 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (109 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 655 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (158 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1984 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
