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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 335 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500.
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, 2012 Fiat 500 (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
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 | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 35 L |
