1959 Abarth 500 vs. 2008 BMW X3
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 49 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X3 (228 HP) has 208 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 1320 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, 2008 BMW X3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500. 2008 BMW X3 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. 2008 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 2008 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 500 | X3 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 228 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 67 L |
