2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1972 Fiat 500
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 740 kg more than 1972 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 500. (28 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1972 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 156 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1597 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 | 6500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 28 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 22 L |
