1958 Abarth 500 vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1996 Volvo S40 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 1,948 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo S40 (138 HP) has 118 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo S40 weights approximately 773 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, 1996 Volvo S40, 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, 1996 Volvo S40 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 138 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2560 mm |
