1958 Abarth 600 vs. 1988 Renault 5
To start off, 1988 Renault 5 is newer by 30 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 1,108 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Renault 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Renault 5 (45 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Renault 5 weights approximately 130 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, 1988 Renault 5, 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, 1988 Renault 5 (80 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 600 | 1988 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Abarth | Renault |
| Model | 600 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1108 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2420 mm |
