1996 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Alfa Romeo 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 would be higher. At 5,584 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145. (90 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 12 kg more than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen W12 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 1997 Volkswagen W12. 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 415 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145. (115 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 145 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1351 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2540 mm |
