1959 Abarth 1600 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 21 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 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 1600. (95 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 600 kg more than 1959 Abarth 1600. 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. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1959 Abarth 1600 has manual transmission. 1959 Abarth 1600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1600 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1600 | 380 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2820 mm |
