1958 Abarth 500 vs. 1960 Fiat 1200
To start off, 1960 Fiat 1200 is newer by 2 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 1,221 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Fiat 1200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Fiat 1200 (57 HP) has 37 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1960 Fiat 1200 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Fiat 1200 weights approximately 460 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, 1960 Fiat 1200 (84 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1960 Fiat 1200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 1960 Fiat 1200 | |
| Make | Abarth | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | 1200 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1221 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 57 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 37 L |
