1977 Alfa Romeo GT vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Alfa Romeo GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Alfa Romeo GT would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1977 Alfa Romeo GT. (87 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1977 Alfa Romeo GT. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 329 kg more than 1977 Alfa Romeo GT. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Alfa Romeo GT. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Alfa Romeo GT. (140 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Alfa Romeo GT.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Alfa Romeo GT | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | GT | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1309 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2160 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 55 L |
