1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1956 Porsche 356
To start off, 1957 Abarth 500 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Porsche 356 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Porsche 356 (59 HP) has 39 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Porsche 356 weights approximately 407 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 Porsche 356 (110 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1956 Porsche 356 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 1956 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Abarth | Porsche |
| Model | 500 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 478 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 74 mm |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 163 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 52 L |
