2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1972 Fiat 500
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,969 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 895 kg more than 1972 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Fiat 500. 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 (275 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 500. (28 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1972 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 156 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 28 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 22 L |
