1958 Abarth 500 vs. 1996 Ferrari 550
To start off, 1996 Ferrari 550 is newer by 38 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 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 550 (485 HP) has 465 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 1245 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, 1996 Ferrari 550 (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 536 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 1996 Ferrari 550 | |
| Make | Abarth | Ferrari |
| Model | 500 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 5474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 485 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 568 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 75 mm |
| Top Speed | 115 km/hour | 320 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 114 L |
