1955 Abarth 600 vs. 1981 BMW 518
To start off, 1981 BMW 518 is newer by 26 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 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 518 (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1955 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1955 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 518 weights approximately 552 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, 1981 BMW 518 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Abarth 600 | 1981 BMW 518 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 600 | 518 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 71.1 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 588 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2630 mm |
