1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1977 BMW 520
To start off, 1977 BMW 520 is newer by 18 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 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 520 (120 HP) has 100 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 865 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, 1977 BMW 520 (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 1977 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 120 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 70 L |
