1959 Abarth 500 vs. 2007 Fiat Palio II
To start off, 2007 Fiat Palio II is newer by 48 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 1,242 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Fiat Palio II is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Fiat Palio II (72 HP) has 52 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Fiat Palio II should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Fiat Palio II weights approximately 551 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, 2007 Fiat Palio II, 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, 2007 Fiat Palio II (102 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Fiat Palio II will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 2007 Fiat Palio II | |
| Make | Abarth | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | Palio II |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 72 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 54 L |
