1959 Abarth 600 vs. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (149 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 1030 kg more than 1959 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 600 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 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 600 | 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Abarth | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 600 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2600 mm |
