1962 Fiat 500 vs. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 996 kg more than 1962 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1962 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1962 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Fiat | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 500 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 63 L |
