1958 Abarth 500 vs. 1988 Ford Telstar
To start off, 1988 Ford Telstar is newer by 30 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Telstar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Telstar (94 HP) has 74 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Telstar should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Telstar weights approximately 585 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, 1988 Ford Telstar, 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, 1988 Ford Telstar (158 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Telstar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500. 1988 Ford Telstar 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. 1988 Ford Telstar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 1988 Ford Telstar | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Telstar |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 94 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
