2001 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 246 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. 2012 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 has manual transmission. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 146 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1746 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.6 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
