1959 Abarth 1600 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 29 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 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 1600. (95 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 595 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. 1988 BMW 520 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. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1600 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 1600 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
