1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1990 BMW Z1
To start off, 1990 BMW Z1 is newer by 33 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (23 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW Z1 weights approximately 782 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, 1990 BMW Z1 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (33 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1990 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 1990 BMW Z1 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 500 | Z1 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 33 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1260 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2450 mm |
