2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 184 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (315 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (305 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 156 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1226 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
