1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1968 Fiat 500
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 680 kg more than 1968 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146, 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 146 (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1968 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 146 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 67.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 22 L |
