1959 Abarth 600 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 46 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 3,722 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (247 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1170 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 600 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 600 | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 3722 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2570 mm |
