1978 Alfa Romeo GTV vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV (129 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 135 kg more than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV.
Because 1978 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 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | GTV | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1179 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
