1958 Abarth 1000 vs. 1980 Saab 900
To start off, 1980 Saab 900 is newer by 22 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Saab 900 (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 1000. (87 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Saab 900 weights approximately 522 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.
Because 1958 Abarth 1000 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 1958 Abarth 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Saab 900, 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, 1980 Saab 900 (167 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 1000. (96 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 1000 | 1980 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Abarth | Saab |
| Model | 1000 | 900 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 996 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 167 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2720 mm |
