1996 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,969 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 47 kg more than 2008 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, 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 156 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
