1985 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 2400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 1 kg more than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1985 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 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider (178 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle has automatic transmission and 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1960 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
