1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1956 Austin A 40
To start off, 1957 Abarth 500 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Austin A 40 (41 HP) has 21 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Austin A 40 weights approximately 585 kg more than 1957 Abarth 500. 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, 1956 Austin A 40 (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1956 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 1956 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Abarth | Austin |
| Model | 500 | A 40 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 478 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 41 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 54 L |
