1961 Abarth 1600 vs. 1963 BMW 502
To start off, 1963 BMW 502 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 1600 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 BMW 502 (158 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 1600. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 BMW 502 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 BMW 502 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1961 Abarth 1600. 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, 1963 BMW 502 (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 1600. (138 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1963 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 1600 | 1963 BMW 502 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 1600 | 502 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 54 L |
