1958 Abarth 500 vs. 1959 Citroen 2CV
To start off, 1959 Citroen 2CV 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 8 more horse power than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (12 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Abarth 500 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen 2CV weights approximately 50 kg more than 1958 Abarth 500.
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 Citroen 2CV, 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, 1958 Abarth 500 (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (25 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1958 Abarth 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 1959 Citroen 2CV | |
| Make | Abarth | Citroen |
| Model | 500 | 2CV |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 423 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 12 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 25 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 62 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 19 L |
