2005 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1978 Fiat Mirafiori
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat Mirafiori would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat Mirafiori is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. (115 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Fiat Mirafiori 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 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159, 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 159 (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Mirafiori.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1978 Fiat Mirafiori | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 159 | Mirafiori |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 49 L |
