1957 Abarth 500 vs. 2006 BMW 120
To start off, 2006 BMW 120 is newer by 49 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), 2006 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 120 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (23 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 120 weights approximately 1367 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, 2006 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (33 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 2006 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 33 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1260 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 50 L |
