1958 Abarth 600 vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 1988 Saab 9000 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 9000 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 9000 weights approximately 735 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 Saab 9000, 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 Saab 9000 (290 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 600 | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Abarth | Saab |
| Model | 600 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2670 mm |
