1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1996 Audi A3
To start off, 1996 Audi A3 is newer by 39 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi A3 (151 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (23 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi A3 weights approximately 672 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.
Because 1957 Abarth 500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1957 Abarth 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Audi A3 (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (33 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 1996 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Abarth | Audi |
| Model | 500 | A3 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 33 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1260 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 54 L |
