1961 Abarth 1600 vs. 1970 Ford 12 M
To start off, 1970 Ford 12 M is newer by 9 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 1,586 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Abarth 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Abarth 1600 (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1970 Ford 12 M. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Abarth 1600 should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford 12 M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Abarth 1600 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1970 Ford 12 M. 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, 1961 Abarth 1600 (138 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford 12 M. (93 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1961 Abarth 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford 12 M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 1600 | 1970 Ford 12 M | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 1600 | 12 M |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1305 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2530 mm |
