2001 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1965 Fiat 500
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,909 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1965 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1965 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 785 kg more than 1965 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 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 (255 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1965 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 156 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1909 cc | 498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 1950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 38 L |
