1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1959 Fiat 1800
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1800 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 101 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1800. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fiat 1800 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 1959 Fiat 1800. 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 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1800. (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1959 Fiat 1800 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 156 | 1800 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 72.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 37 L |
