1956 Abarth 600 vs. 1984 Austin Ambassador
To start off, 1984 Austin Ambassador is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,697 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Austin Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Austin Ambassador (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1956 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Austin Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1956 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Austin Ambassador weights approximately 620 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.
Because 1956 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 1956 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Austin Ambassador, 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, 1984 Austin Ambassador (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1984 Austin Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Abarth 600 | 1984 Austin Ambassador | |
| Make | Abarth | Austin |
| Model | 600 | Ambassador |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 746 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2680 mm |
