1958 Abarth 500 vs. 1977 Rover 2600
To start off, 1977 Rover 2600 is newer by 19 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 2,596 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Rover 2600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Rover 2600 (136 HP) has 116 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Rover 2600 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Rover 2600 weights approximately 903 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, 1977 Rover 2600 (206 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Rover 2600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500. 1977 Rover 2600 has automatic transmission and 1958 Abarth 500 has manual transmission. 1958 Abarth 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Rover 2600 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 1977 Rover 2600 | |
| Make | Abarth | Rover |
| Model | 500 | 2600 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 2596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 136 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1348 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 65 L |
