1957 Abarth 500 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 52 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 391 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (23 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 852 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 367 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (33 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 500 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 33 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1260 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 63 L |
