1998 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (91 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 55 kg more than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146.
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, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (202 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. (134 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Beetle | 146 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 202 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
