1958 Abarth 500 vs. 1979 Talbot 1510
To start off, 1979 Talbot 1510 is newer by 21 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 1,442 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Talbot 1510 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Talbot 1510 (74 HP) has 54 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Talbot 1510 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Talbot 1510 weights approximately 635 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, 1979 Talbot 1510, 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, 1979 Talbot 1510 (122 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Talbot 1510 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 1979 Talbot 1510 | |
| Make | Abarth | Talbot |
| Model | 500 | 1510 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2610 mm |
