1999 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1973 Fiat 124
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 (120 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 124. (60 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1973 Fiat 124. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Fiat 124 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 1973 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 124. (89 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1973 Fiat 124 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 145 | 124 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 38 L |
