1955 Abarth 600 vs. 1978 Volvo 264
To start off, 1978 Volvo 264 is newer by 23 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 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 264 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 264 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1955 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 264 should accelerate faster than 1955 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 264 weights approximately 868 kg more than 1955 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1978 Volvo 264 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 264 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Abarth 600 | 1978 Volvo 264 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volvo |
| Model | 600 | 264 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 588 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2650 mm |
