1959 Abarth 600 vs. 2003 Subaru R2
To start off, 2003 Subaru R2 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 747 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Abarth 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru R2 (62 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru R2 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru R2 weights approximately 249 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 Subaru R2, 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 Subaru R2 (103 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru R2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 600 | 2003 Subaru R2 | |
| Make | Abarth | Subaru |
| Model | 600 | R2 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 658 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 56 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 834 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2370 mm |
