1956 Abarth 600 vs. 1952 Austin-Healey 100
To start off, 1956 Abarth 600 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1952 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1952 Austin-Healey 100 (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1956 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1952 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1956 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin-Healey 100 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1956 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, 1952 Austin-Healey 100 (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1952 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Abarth 600 | 1952 Austin-Healey 100 | |
| Make | Abarth | Austin-Healey |
| Model | 600 | 100 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1952 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 746 cc | 2660 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 111.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2290 mm |
