2008 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1966 Fiat 500
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1966 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1966 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 1120 kg more than 1966 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1966 Fiat 500 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
Model | 159 | 500 |
Year Released | 2008 | 1966 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 1910 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 | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 320 Nm | 36 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 540 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3190 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1330 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 1950 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 38 L |