1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 545 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit has manual transmission. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 156 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |
