1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta (144 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta weights approximately 140 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alfetta | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
