1959 Abarth 500 vs. 2005 BMW 316
To start off, 2005 BMW 316 is newer by 46 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 316 (113 HP) has 93 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 316 weights approximately 930 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, 2005 BMW 316 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 2005 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 113 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 63 L |
