1955 Abarth 600 vs. 1959 Ford Escort
To start off, 1959 Ford Escort is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,171 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Abarth 600 (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1959 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Abarth 600 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford Escort weights approximately 229 kg more than 1955 Abarth 600.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1959 Ford Escort (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1959 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Abarth 600 | 1959 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 600 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 588 kg | 817 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2220 mm |
