1957 Abarth 500 vs. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 45 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (173 HP) has 153 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 1065 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 353 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Abarth | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 500 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 478 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 173 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 63 L |
