1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1978 Peugeot 305
To start off, 1978 Peugeot 305 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 1,548 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Peugeot 305 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Peugeot 305 (94 HP) has 74 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Peugeot 305 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Peugeot 305 weights approximately 530 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, 1978 Peugeot 305, 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, 1978 Peugeot 305 (132 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Peugeot 305 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 1978 Peugeot 305 | |
| Make | Abarth | Peugeot |
| Model | 500 | 305 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1548 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 94 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2750 mm |
