2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 156 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
