1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1981 Audi 100
To start off, 1981 Audi 100 is newer by 22 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Audi 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Audi 100 (85 HP) has 65 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Audi 100 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Audi 100 weights approximately 665 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, 1981 Audi 100, 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, 1981 Audi 100 (124 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Audi 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 1981 Audi 100 | |
| Make | Abarth | Audi |
| Model | 500 | 100 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 85 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2680 mm |
