1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1968 Volkswagen 1303
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volkswagen 1303. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volkswagen 1303 would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (143 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen 1303. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen 1303. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1968 Volkswagen 1303. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Volkswagen 1303 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 1968 Volkswagen 1303. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156, 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 Alfa Romeo 156 (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen 1303. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volkswagen 1303.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1968 Volkswagen 1303 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 156 | 1303 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1191 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
