1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 12 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (330 HP) has 310 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 1084 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.
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, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (488 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 456 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 1971 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Abarth | Chevrolet |
| Model | 500 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 330 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 488 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1529 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 68 L |
