1997 Alfa Romeo 156 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 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (89 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 84 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
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 (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 156 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 12.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.4 L/100km | 3.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
