2008 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1998 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 1,712 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 67 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 146.
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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | New Beetle | 146 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1712 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 178 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1292 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
