1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1990 Volvo 240
To start off, 1990 Volvo 240 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volvo 240 (96 HP) has 76 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 240 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 240 weights approximately 845 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, 1990 Volvo 240 (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 1990 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 96 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2660 mm |
