1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1959 Volvo 120 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 1,581 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Volvo 120 (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (23 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volvo 120 weights approximately 527 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, 1959 Volvo 120 (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (33 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1959 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1581 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 33 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1260 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2610 mm |
