1960 Abarth 600 vs. 1981 BMW 528
To start off, 1981 BMW 528 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 600. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 715 kg more than 1960 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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 600 | 1981 BMW 528 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 600 | 528 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 745 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
