2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,771 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (183 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 80 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
