1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1961 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,570 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (24 HP @ 3300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 240 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Volkswagen 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, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider (145 Nm) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (77 Nm). This means 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1961 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1131 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
