2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1974 Fiat 500
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 994 kg more than 1974 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 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 (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1974 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1974 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1974 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 156 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2387 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 | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 516 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 22 L |
