2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri 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 Centauri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri (105 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 132 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri.
Because 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri (260 Nm) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Centauri | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1547 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 990 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2712 mm |
