1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider (139 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 645 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Volkswagen Beetle 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 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
Model | Spider | Beetle |
Year Released | 1997 | 1955 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1192 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 139 HP | 38 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Torque | 186 Nm | 89 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 77 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 64 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 740 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1560 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |