1959 Abarth 1000 vs. 2009 BMW 550
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 50 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 1000. (88 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 1050 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 BMW 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 392 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 1000. (97 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1000 | 2009 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 1000 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
