1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1989 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1989 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (252 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1989 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 146 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2480 mm |
