1959 Abarth 500 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 53 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (156 HP) has 136 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | C |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 156 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 66 L |
