1959 Abarth 1000 vs. 1965 Saab MC
To start off, 1965 Saab MC is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 1000 would be higher. At 998 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Abarth 1000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 1000 (88 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1965 Saab MC. (54 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 1000 should accelerate faster than 1965 Saab MC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Saab MC weights approximately 208 kg more than 1959 Abarth 1000.
Because 1959 Abarth 1000 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 1959 Abarth 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 Saab MC, 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, 1959 Abarth 1000 (97 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Saab MC. (91 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1959 Abarth 1000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Saab MC.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1000 | 1965 Saab MC | |
| Make | Abarth | Saab |
| Model | 1000 | MC |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 841 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 73 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 142 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 888 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2500 mm |
