1975 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider (132 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (91 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 190 kg more than 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1975 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 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (202 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2520 mm |
