1959 Abarth 1000 vs. 1994 Volvo 480
To start off, 1994 Volvo 480 is newer by 35 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), 1994 Volvo 480 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volvo 480 (108 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 1000. (88 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volvo 480 weights approximately 320 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, 1994 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, 1994 Volvo 480 (143 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 1000. (97 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1994 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 | 1994 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volvo |
| Model | 1000 | 480 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1994 |
| 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 | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
