1961 Abarth 1600 vs. 1978 Fiat Strada
To start off, 1978 Fiat Strada is newer by 17 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 29 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Strada. (60 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Abarth 1600 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Strada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Abarth 1600 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1978 Fiat Strada. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Abarth 1600 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 1961 Abarth 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Fiat Strada, 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, 1961 Abarth 1600 (138 Nm) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Strada. (91 Nm). This means 1961 Abarth 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Strada. 1978 Fiat Strada has automatic transmission and 1961 Abarth 1600 has manual transmission. 1961 Abarth 1600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Fiat Strada will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 1600 | 1978 Fiat Strada | |
| Make | Abarth | Fiat |
| Model | 1600 | Strada |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 55.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2460 mm |
