1972 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 400 kg more than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2537 mm |
