1958 Abarth 500 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 53 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (154 HP) has 134 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 1080 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, 2011 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 154 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 53 L |
