1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 1,969 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (152 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Polo. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 2007 Volkswagen Polo (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2007 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 156 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
