1958 Abarth 1000 vs. 1960 MG MGA
To start off, 1960 MG MGA is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 1000 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 MG MGA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 MG MGA (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 1000. (87 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1960 MG MGA should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 MG MGA weights approximately 220 kg more than 1958 Abarth 1000. 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, 1960 MG MGA (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 1000. (96 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1960 MG MGA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 1000 | 1960 MG MGA | |
| Make | Abarth | MG |
| Model | 1000 | MGA |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 996 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2390 mm |
