1958 Abarth 600 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (78 HP) has 37 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 600. (41 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 340 kg more than 1958 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Abarth 600 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 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort, 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, 1986 Ford Escort (127 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 600 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 600 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 78 HP |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
