2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1971 Fiat 124
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 124. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 598 kg more than 1971 Fiat 124. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Fiat 124 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 1971 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 124. (89 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1971 Fiat 124 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 156 | 124 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 38 L |
