1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1988 BMW M5
To start off, 1988 BMW M5 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 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP) has 291 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 1288 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 M5 (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 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 M5 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 500 | M5 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 478 cc | 3533 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 311 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 253 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1733 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2770 mm |
