1957 Abarth 600 vs. 1988 BMW 524
To start off, 1988 BMW 524 is newer by 31 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 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 524 (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 524 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 770 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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 600 | 1988 BMW 524 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 600 | 524 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2770 mm |
