1972 Alfa Romeo GT vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Alfa Romeo GT would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Alfa Romeo GT (131 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Alfa Romeo GT should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 342 kg more than 1972 Alfa Romeo GT.
Because 1972 Alfa Romeo GT 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 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1972 Alfa Romeo GT (156 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1972 Alfa Romeo GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Alfa Romeo GT | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | GT | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1292 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
