2001 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 17 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. (163 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1773 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
