1959 Abarth 600 vs. 2003 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2003 Fiat Panda is newer by 44 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 1,249 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Fiat Panda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Fiat Panda (57 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Fiat Panda weights approximately 275 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, 2003 Fiat Panda, 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, 2003 Fiat Panda (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 600 | 2003 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Abarth | Fiat |
| Model | 600 | Panda |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1249 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2350 mm |
