1957 Abarth 500 vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 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 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (161 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (23 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 988 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, 2003 Volvo S40, 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, 2003 Volvo S40 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (33 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 33 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1260 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 62 L |
