1979 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1990 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 610 kg more than 1979 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, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Volkswagen Passat | 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Passat | 164 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2670 mm |
