2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 12 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 (150 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 71 kg more than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146.
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, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 (187 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Golf | 146 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
