1955 Abarth 600 vs. 1961 Citroen 2CV
To start off, 1961 Citroen 2CV is newer by 6 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 747 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Abarth 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Abarth 600 (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1961 Citroen 2CV. (10 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Abarth 600 should accelerate faster than 1961 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Abarth 600 weights approximately 93 kg more than 1961 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Abarth 600 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 1955 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Citroen 2CV, 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, 1955 Abarth 600 (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Citroen 2CV. (22 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1955 Abarth 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Abarth 600 | 1961 Citroen 2CV | |
| Make | Abarth | Citroen |
| Model | 600 | 2CV |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 375 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 10 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 22 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 62 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 588 kg | 495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
