2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1960 Fiat 500
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (185 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1960 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1960 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 935 kg more than 1960 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fiat 500. (30 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1960 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 156 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1960 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 30 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 1960 mm |
