2001 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1958 Fiat 500
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 (113 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1958 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1958 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 760 kg more than 1958 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 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 1958 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1958 Fiat 500 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
Model | 156 | 500 |
Year Released | 2001 | 1958 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 1596 cc | 479 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 113 HP | 14 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 144 Nm | 24 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 67.4 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 70 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 7.1:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 470 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 2980 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1330 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 1850 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 37 L |