2003 Alpina Roadster 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 Alpina Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alpina Roadster would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alpina Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina Roadster (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina Roadster should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina Roadster weights approximately 498 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.
Because 2003 Alpina Roadster 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 2003 Alpina Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500, 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 Alpina Roadster (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500. 2012 Fiat 500 has automatic transmission and 2003 Alpina Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Alpina Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina Roadster | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Alpina | Fiat |
| Model | Roadster | 500 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2301 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
