1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (143 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 300 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 156 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.4 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
