1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,491 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 14 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle. (173 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle weights approximately 50 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle (315 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle has automatic transmission and 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 156 | Caravelle |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Size | 2491 cc | 2460 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
