1955 Abarth 600 vs. 1986 Renault 18
To start off, 1986 Renault 18 is newer by 31 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 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Renault 18 (63 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1955 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1955 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Renault 18 weights approximately 397 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.
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, 1986 Renault 18, 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, 1986 Renault 18 (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Abarth 600 | 1986 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Abarth | Renault |
| Model | 600 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 588 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2450 mm |
