1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Because 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia 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 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. (156 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Giulia | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1569 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 55 L |
