1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 23 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 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (237 HP) has 217 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 1070 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1957 Abarth 500 has manual transmission. 1957 Abarth 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 478 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 237 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 90 L |
