1973 Alfa Romeo GTV vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Alfa Romeo GTV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Alfa Romeo GTV would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Alfa Romeo GTV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1973 Alfa Romeo GTV. (131 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1973 Alfa Romeo GTV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 396 kg more than 1973 Alfa Romeo GTV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Alfa Romeo GTV 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 1973 Alfa Romeo GTV. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Alfa Romeo GTV. (182 Nm). This means 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Alfa Romeo GTV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Alfa Romeo GTV | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | GTV | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 55 L |
