1970 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 805 kg more than 1970 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Fiat | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 500 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2600 mm |
