1990 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2009 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. (104 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 87 kg more than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider (157 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. (153 Nm @ 300 RPM). This means 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. 2009 Volkswagen Polo has automatic transmission and 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Polo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Polo |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2470 mm |
