2007 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1961 Fiat 500
To start off, 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 745 kg more than 1961 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 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 1961 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500. 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1961 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1961 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1961 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 156 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 1950 mm |
