1970 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1978 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 170 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen 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, 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider (138 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1978 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
