1958 Abarth 500 vs. 1959 Berkeley Twosome
To start off, 1959 Berkeley Twosome is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 479 cc (2 cylinders), 1958 Abarth 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Abarth 500 (20 HP) has 2 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. (18 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Abarth 500 should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Abarth 500 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Abarth 500 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 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley Twosome, 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, 1959 Berkeley Twosome (37 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Berkeley Twosome will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 1959 Berkeley Twosome | |
| Make | Abarth | Berkeley |
| Model | 500 | Twosome |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 328 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 18 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 37 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1280 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
