1957 Abarth 500 vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 55 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (104 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (23 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 1802 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, 2012 Volkswagen T5, 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, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (33 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | T5 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 33 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 159 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 2270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1260 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 80 L |
