1955 Abarth 600 vs. 1981 Suzuki Alto
To start off, 1981 Suzuki Alto 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 796 cc (3 cylinders), 1981 Suzuki Alto is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Abarth 600 (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1981 Suzuki Alto. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Abarth 600 should accelerate faster than 1981 Suzuki Alto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Suzuki Alto weights approximately 22 kg more than 1955 Abarth 600.
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, 1981 Suzuki Alto, 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, 1981 Suzuki Alto (60 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Suzuki Alto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Abarth 600 | 1981 Suzuki Alto | |
| Make | Abarth | Suzuki |
| Model | 600 | Alto |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 588 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2160 mm |
