1958 Abarth 600 vs. 2003 Rover 45
To start off, 2003 Rover 45 is newer by 45 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 1,396 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Rover 45 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Rover 45 (102 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Rover 45 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Rover 45 weights approximately 525 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, 2003 Rover 45, 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, 2003 Rover 45 (123 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Rover 45 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 600 | 2003 Rover 45 | |
| Make | Abarth | Rover |
| Model | 600 | 45 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2630 mm |
