1959 Abarth 500 vs. 2009 BMW 135
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 50 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), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (300 HP) has 280 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 135 weights approximately 881 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, 2009 BMW 135 (407 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 375 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 2009 BMW 135 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 135 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| 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 | 300 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 53 L |
