1996 Alfa Romeo 155 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Alfa Romeo 155 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Alfa Romeo 155 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Alfa Romeo 155 (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (47 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 155 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Alfa Romeo 155 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1978 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, 1996 Alfa Romeo 155 (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Alfa Romeo 155 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo 155 | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 155 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
