1997 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 1,351 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 (90 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (84 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 241 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146. (115 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 146 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1351 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.8 seconds | 11.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1416 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
