1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 16 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (152 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 211 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. 2013 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 156 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2803 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.6 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.7 L/100km | 10.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
