1961 Abarth 1600 vs. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 1600 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 1600. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1961 Abarth 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Abarth 1600 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 1961 Abarth 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (147 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 1600. (138 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 1600 | 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Abarth | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 1600 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 75.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 63 L |
