1996 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 69 more horse power than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 should accelerate faster than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 weights approximately 395 kg more than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 has manual transmission. 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 145 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2410 mm |
