2008 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 51 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | New Beetle | 146 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
