1985 Alfa Romeo 90 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. (153 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 210 kg more than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 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 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. (211 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 90 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 55 L |
