1958 Abarth 500 vs. 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud
To start off, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 20 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 1,351 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud (85 HP) has 65 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud weights approximately 445 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.
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, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, 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, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud (111 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | |
| Make | Abarth | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 500 | Alfasud |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 85 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 67.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 50 L |
