1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1974 Saab 99
To start off, 1974 Saab 99 is newer by 17 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Saab 99 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Saab 99 (94 HP) has 74 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Saab 99 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Saab 99 weights approximately 700 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, 1974 Saab 99, 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, 1974 Saab 99 (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Saab 99 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 1974 Saab 99 | |
| Make | Abarth | Saab |
| Model | 500 | 99 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 478 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 94 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2480 mm |
