1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1973 AC 428
To start off, 1973 AC 428 is newer by 14 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 7,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 AC 428 (298 HP) has 278 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1973 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 AC 428 weights approximately 985 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, 1973 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 607 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 1973 AC 428 | |
| Make | Abarth | AC |
| Model | 500 | 428 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 7002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 298 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 639 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2450 mm |
