1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1993 Lada Samara
To start off, 1993 Lada Samara is newer by 34 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 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Lada Samara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Lada Samara (64 HP) has 44 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Lada Samara should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Lada Samara weights approximately 475 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, 1993 Lada Samara, 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, 1993 Lada Samara (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Lada Samara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 1993 Lada Samara | |
| Make | Abarth | Lada |
| Model | 500 | Samara |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 64 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2470 mm |
