2009 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 147 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo 147 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 147 should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 147 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1998 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo 147 (305 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo 147 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. 1998 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2009 Alfa Romeo 147 has manual transmission. 2009 Alfa Romeo 147 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 147 | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 147 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
