2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen W12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen W12 would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 477 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen W12.
Because 2001 Volkswagen W12 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 Volkswagen W12. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156, 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 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (275 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 156 | W12 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 186 km/hour | 350 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.3 seconds | 3.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
