1988 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (175 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Volkswagen Golf | 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Golf | 164 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1763 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
