1963 Abarth 1600 vs. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Abarth 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Abarth 1600 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1963 Abarth 1600. (155 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1963 Abarth 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 576 kg more than 1963 Abarth 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Abarth 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Abarth 1600. (167 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Abarth 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Abarth 1600 | 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Abarth | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 1600 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 68.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 744 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2100 mm | 2600 mm |
