1961 Fiat 1300 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 1300 would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 1300. (71 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 595 kg more than 1961 Fiat 1300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Fiat 1300 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 Fiat 1300. 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 (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 1300. (106 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 1300 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Fiat | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 1300 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1481 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
