1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (143 HP) has 123 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 785 kg more than 1959 Abarth 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Abarth 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Abarth 500 | 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
Make | Abarth | Alfa Romeo |
Model | 500 | 156 |
Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 479 cc | 1747 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 20 HP | 143 HP |
Torque | 32 Nm | 169 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 82.7 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1230 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2600 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 63 L |