1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1969 Renault 12
To start off, 1969 Renault 12 is newer by 12 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 1,565 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Renault 12 (113 HP) has 93 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Renault 12 weights approximately 485 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.
Because 1957 Abarth 500 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 1957 Abarth 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Renault 12, 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, 1969 Renault 12 (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 1969 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Abarth | Renault |
| Model | 500 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 478 cc | 1565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 113 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 89 L |
