1959 Abarth 600 vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 29 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 1125 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 373 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 600 | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 600 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2880 mm |
