2009 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1962 Fiat 500
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (182 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 1120 kg more than 1962 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (231 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1962 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | Spider | 500 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 38 L |
