1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1971 Fiat 127
To start off, 1971 Fiat 127 is newer by 14 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 1,049 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Fiat 127 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Fiat 127 (48 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (23 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 127 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Fiat 127 weights approximately 362 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, 1971 Fiat 127, 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, 1971 Fiat 127 (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (33 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1971 Fiat 127 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 1971 Fiat 127 | |
| Make | Abarth | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | 127 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1049 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 33 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 57.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1260 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 52 L |
