1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1957 Fiat 500
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider (155 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1957 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1957 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 900 kg more than 1957 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 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 1957 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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 Spider (187 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1957 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | Spider | 500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 14 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 24 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 67.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 38 L |
