1979 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1986 Alfa Romeo 90
To start off, 1986 Alfa Romeo 90 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,391 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Alfa Romeo 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Alfa Romeo 90 (109 HP) has 50 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Alfa Romeo 90 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Alfa Romeo 90 weights approximately 445 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Alfa Romeo 90 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1986 Alfa Romeo 90. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1986 Alfa Romeo 90 (235 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Golf. (95 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Alfa Romeo 90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Volkswagen Golf | 1986 Alfa Romeo 90 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Golf | 90 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 2391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 109 HP |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 49 L |
