1999 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,369 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 (104 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 (124 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 145 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1369 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.9 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2480 mm |
