1957 Abarth 500 vs. 2003 BMW 318
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 46 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 318 (141 HP) has 121 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 318 weights approximately 815 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, 2003 BMW 318 (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500. 2003 BMW 318 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. 2003 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 2003 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 478 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 141 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 211 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 | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 63 L |
