1961 Abarth 700 vs. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 700 would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 700. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 985 kg more than 1961 Abarth 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Abarth 700 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 700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (61 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Abarth | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 700 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 745 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
