1958 Abarth 500 vs. 2002 BMW 318
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 44 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW 318 (113 HP) has 93 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 318 weights approximately 857 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, 2002 BMW 318 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 2002 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 113 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 67 L |
