2005 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 is newer by 50 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 weights approximately 585 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 147, 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 (147 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 147 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |
