2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider (248 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 285 kg more than 2000 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider (305 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. (152 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle has automatic transmission and 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
