1955 Abarth 600 vs. 1988 Porsche 944
To start off, 1988 Porsche 944 is newer by 33 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 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Porsche 944 (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1955 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1955 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Porsche 944 weights approximately 678 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, 1988 Porsche 944 (205 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Abarth 600 | 1988 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Abarth | Porsche |
| Model | 600 | 944 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 588 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
