1958 Abarth 500 vs. 1957 Fiat 1400
To start off, 1958 Abarth 500 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fiat 1400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fiat 1400 would be higher. At 1,395 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Fiat 1400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Fiat 1400 (53 HP) has 33 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Fiat 1400 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Fiat 1400 weights approximately 720 kg more than 1958 Abarth 500. 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, 1957 Fiat 1400 (88 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1957 Fiat 1400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 1957 Fiat 1400 | |
| Make | Abarth | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | 1400 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 50 L |
