1960 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1960 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1960 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 1095 kg more than 1960 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Fiat 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 1960 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (281 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fiat 500. (30 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fiat 500. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 has automatic transmission and 1960 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1960 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Fiat 500 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Fiat | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 500 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 500 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1960 mm | 2710 mm |
