1958 Abarth 500 vs. 2004 Rover 45
To start off, 2004 Rover 45 is newer by 46 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), 2004 Rover 45 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Rover 45 (115 HP) has 95 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Rover 45 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Rover 45 weights approximately 785 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, 2004 Rover 45, 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, 2004 Rover 45 (160 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Rover 45 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 2004 Rover 45 | |
| Make | Abarth | Rover |
| Model | 500 | 45 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2004 |
| 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 | 115 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 55 L |
