1958 Abarth 500 vs. 1984 BMW 316
To start off, 1984 BMW 316 is newer by 26 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 1,767 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 BMW 316 (88 HP) has 68 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1984 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 316 weights approximately 545 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, 1984 BMW 316 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500. 1984 BMW 316 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. 1984 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 1984 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1767 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 88 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 71 mm |
| Top Speed | 115 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 55 L |
