1959 Abarth 600 vs. 1980 BMW M5
To start off, 1980 BMW M5 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M5 weights approximately 806 kg more than 1959 Abarth 600. 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, 1980 BMW M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 600 | 1980 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 600 | M5 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1391 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2640 mm |
