1968 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 500 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 140 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 1095 kg more than 1968 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Fiat 500. 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 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1968 Fiat 500 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
Make | Fiat | Alfa Romeo |
Model | 500 | 159 |
Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 499 cc | 1859 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 18 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 27 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 67.5 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1605 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4670 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1840 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 70 L |