1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud would be higher. At 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 368 kg more than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud has manual transmission. 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alfasud | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
