1969 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 145 kg more than 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. (170 Nm). This means 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1779 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2860 mm |
