1959 Abarth 1600 vs. 1962 Porsche 356
To start off, 1962 Porsche 356 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 1600 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Abarth 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 1600 (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1962 Porsche 356. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 1600 should accelerate faster than 1962 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Abarth 1600 weights approximately 102 kg more than 1962 Porsche 356. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1600 | 1962 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Abarth | Porsche |
| Model | 1600 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 858 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2130 mm |
