1971 Fiat 500 vs. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 1210 kg more than 1971 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 373 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 500 | 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Fiat | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 500 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 70 L |
