1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (23 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 897 kg more than 1957 Abarth 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Abarth 500 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 1957 Abarth 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (33 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Abarth | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 500 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 33 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1260 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 70 L |
