1957 Abarth 600 vs. 1979 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1979 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,811 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Chrysler 1609 (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 515 kg more than 1957 Abarth 600. 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, 1979 Chrysler 1609 (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 600 | 1979 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Abarth | Chrysler |
| Model | 600 | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1811 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2670 mm |
