2002 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider (139 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 58 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider (163 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1292 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
