2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 48 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 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 615 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (275 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 156 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |
