2009 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (163 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (157 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 285 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
