1959 BMW 600 vs. 1970 Saab 99
To start off, 1970 Saab 99 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 600 would be higher. At 1,709 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Saab 99 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Saab 99 (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1959 BMW 600. (20 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Saab 99 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Saab 99 weights approximately 520 kg more than 1959 BMW 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 BMW 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 BMW 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Saab 99, 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, 1970 Saab 99 (129 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 600. (38 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1970 Saab 99 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 600 | 1970 Saab 99 | |
| Make | BMW | Saab |
| Model | 600 | 99 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 581 cc | 1709 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 38 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2910 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1710 mm | 2530 mm |
