1958 Abarth 500 vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 24 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (118 HP) has 98 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 1003 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500. 1982 Ford Thunderbird 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. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 118 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 96.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1448 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 80 L |
