1996 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 (139 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Volkswagen 1600 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 1970 Volkswagen 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145, 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, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 145 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2520 mm |
