1957 Abarth 500 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 54 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (168 HP) has 148 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 1080 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, 2011 BMW 120 (341 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500. 2011 BMW 120 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. 2011 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 478 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 168 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 341 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 51 L |
