1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1989 TVR Speed Eight
To start off, 1989 TVR Speed Eight is newer by 30 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 3,947 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 TVR Speed Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 TVR Speed Eight (225 HP) has 205 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1989 TVR Speed Eight should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 TVR Speed Eight weights approximately 675 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, 1989 TVR Speed Eight (340 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 308 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 TVR Speed Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 1989 TVR Speed Eight | |
| Make | Abarth | TVR |
| Model | 500 | Speed Eight |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 3947 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 225 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 61 L |
