2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1963 Fiat 500
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1963 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1963 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 815 kg more than 1963 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1963 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 156 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 1950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 37 L |
