1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 19 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 2,444 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat 131 (75 HP) has 55 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 745 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, 1978 Fiat 131 (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Abarth | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 2444 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 75 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2500 mm |
