1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1996 Acura NSX
To start off, 1996 Acura NSX is newer by 37 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 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Acura NSX (271 HP) has 251 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Acura NSX weights approximately 925 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, 1996 Acura NSX (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 1996 Acura NSX | |
| Make | Abarth | Acura |
| Model | 500 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 271 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 284 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2540 mm |
