1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1976 Fiat 126
To start off, 1976 Fiat 126 is newer by 19 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 594 cc (2 cylinders), 1976 Fiat 126 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Fiat 126 (23 HP) has 3 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Fiat 126 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Fiat 126 weights approximately 135 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, 1976 Fiat 126 (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Fiat 126 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 1976 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Abarth | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | 126 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 478 cc | 594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 23 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 20 L |
