1958 Abarth 500 vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 50 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP) has 155 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 1045 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 115 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 70 L |
