1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1988 BMW M3
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 31 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 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (23 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 732 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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (33 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 1988 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 500 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 2303 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 33 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1260 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 70 L |
