1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1966 Toyota Publica
To start off, 1966 Toyota Publica is newer by 9 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 697 cc (2 cylinders), 1966 Toyota Publica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Toyota Publica (29 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (23 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Toyota Publica should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Toyota Publica weights approximately 114 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, 1966 Toyota Publica (54 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (33 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1966 Toyota Publica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 1966 Toyota Publica | |
| Make | Abarth | Toyota |
| Model | 500 | Publica |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 33 Nm | 54 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 582 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1260 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 70 L |
