1959 Abarth 1000 vs. 1988 Volvo 480
To start off, 1988 Volvo 480 is newer by 29 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volvo 480 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 480 (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 1000. (88 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 480 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1959 Abarth 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1988 Volvo 480, 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 Volvo 480 (176 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 1000. (97 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 480 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1000 | 1988 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volvo |
| Model | 1000 | 480 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2510 mm |
