1959 Abarth 500 vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 42 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK (349 HP) has 329 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 1050 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK (450 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 418 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1959 Abarth 500 has manual transmission. 1959 Abarth 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 349 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 60 L |
