2000 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 610 kg more than 1981 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, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 156 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 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 | 1360 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
