1959 Abarth 1000 vs. 1996 Holden Nova
To start off, 1996 Holden Nova is newer by 37 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 1,586 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Holden Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Holden Nova (105 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 1000. (88 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Holden Nova should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Holden Nova weights approximately 385 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, 1996 Holden Nova, 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, 1996 Holden Nova (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 1000. (97 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Holden Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 1000. 1996 Holden Nova has automatic transmission and 1959 Abarth 1000 has manual transmission. 1959 Abarth 1000 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Holden Nova will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1000 | 1996 Holden Nova | |
| Make | Abarth | Holden |
| Model | 1000 | Nova |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2470 mm |
