2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 110 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 156 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
