1959 Abarth 600 vs. 1987 BMW 320
To start off, 1987 BMW 320 is newer by 28 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 320 (189 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW 320 weights approximately 633 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, 1987 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 600 | 1987 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 600 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2580 mm |
