1959 Abarth 600 vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 50 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 735 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, 2009 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 600. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1959 Abarth 600 has manual transmission. 1959 Abarth 600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 600 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 600 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2670 mm |
