1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 434 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. 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 146 (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1978 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 146 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 45 L |
