1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1973 Fiat 127
To start off, 1973 Fiat 127 is newer by 16 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 903 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Fiat 127 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Fiat 127 (44 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (23 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Fiat 127 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Fiat 127 weights approximately 237 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, 1973 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, 1973 Fiat 127 (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (33 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1973 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 | 1973 Fiat 127 | |
| Make | Abarth | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | 127 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 903 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 33 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 3600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1260 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2230 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 57 L |
