2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1966 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (149 HP) has 96 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 640 kg more than 1966 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Volkswagen 1600 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 1966 Volkswagen 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1966 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 156 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
