1978 Volkswagen Citi vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Citi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Citi would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (207 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 822 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (401 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. (150 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Citi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volkswagen Citi | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Citi | 159 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 948 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
