1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1983 Peugeot 205
To start off, 1983 Peugeot 205 is newer by 24 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 1,124 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Peugeot 205 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Peugeot 205 (59 HP) has 39 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Peugeot 205 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Peugeot 205 weights approximately 345 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, 1983 Peugeot 205, 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, 1983 Peugeot 205 (89 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Peugeot 205 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 1983 Peugeot 205 | |
| Make | Abarth | Peugeot |
| Model | 500 | 205 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 50 L |
