2009 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,385 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 410 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2385 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
