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 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (118 HP @ 6300 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 160 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 (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (145 Nm @ 4500 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. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has automatic transmission and 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 has manual transmission. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 2480 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 51 L |
