1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1990 Ford Laser
To start off, 1990 Ford Laser is newer by 31 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Ford Laser (86 HP) has 66 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Laser weights approximately 560 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, 1990 Ford Laser, 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, 1990 Ford Laser (123 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 1990 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Laser |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 86 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2510 mm |
