2006 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (248 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. (150 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 369 kg more than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. (187 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf | 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Golf | 146 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3189 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.9 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1594 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
