1958 Abarth 1000 vs. 1978 BMW M1
To start off, 1978 BMW M1 is newer by 20 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 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 1000. (87 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW M1 weights approximately 620 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, 1978 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 1000. (96 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 1000 | 1978 BMW M1 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 1000 | M1 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 996 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 116 L |
