2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 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 88 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 438 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 2012 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 156 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1072 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2301 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.6 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.5 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
