1957 Abarth 500 vs. 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 52 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (163 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (23 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 1012 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (33 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider | |
| Make | Abarth | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 500 | Spider |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 33 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1260 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 70 L |
