1980 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle (115 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 139 kg more than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle (165 Nm) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. (149 Nm). This means 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
Model | Spider | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1980 | 1994 |
Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 105 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 149 Nm | 165 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 92.7 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1139 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 |