1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1965 Peugeot 204
To start off, 1965 Peugeot 204 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 1,130 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Peugeot 204 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Peugeot 204 (54 HP) has 34 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Peugeot 204 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Peugeot 204 weights approximately 491 kg more than 1959 Abarth 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 500 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 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 Peugeot 204, 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, 1965 Peugeot 204 (89 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1965 Peugeot 204 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 1965 Peugeot 204 | |
| Make | Abarth | Peugeot |
| Model | 500 | 204 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 54 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 936 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 50 L |
