2008 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 221 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (350 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 159 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 10 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1489 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 5.4 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
