2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (172 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 282 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 166 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
