1980 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1954 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,570 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 260 kg more than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider (149 Nm) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm). This means 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
Model | Spider | Beetle |
Year Released | 1980 | 1954 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1192 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 105 HP | 38 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Torque | 149 Nm | 89 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 77 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 64 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 740 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1560 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |