1959 Abarth 600 vs. 1996 Proton 400
To start off, 1996 Proton 400 is newer by 37 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 1,466 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Proton 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Proton 400 (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Proton 400 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Proton 400 weights approximately 490 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.
Because 1959 Abarth 600 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Proton 400, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Proton 400 (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Proton 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 600 | 1996 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Abarth | Proton |
| Model | 600 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1466 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2510 mm |
