1958 Abarth 1000 vs. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 1000 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 1000. (87 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 755 kg more than 1958 Abarth 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Abarth 1000 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 1958 Abarth 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 1000. (96 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 1000. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1958 Abarth 1000 has manual transmission. 1958 Abarth 1000 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 1000 | 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Abarth | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 1000 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 996 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 63 L |
