2006 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (248 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 243 kg more than 2006 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | New Beetle | 156 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1292 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 63 L |
