1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1986 Porsche 944
To start off, 1986 Porsche 944 is newer by 27 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 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Porsche 944 (188 HP) has 168 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Porsche 944 weights approximately 855 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, 1986 Porsche 944 (230 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 1986 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Abarth | Porsche |
| Model | 500 | 944 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 188 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
