1961 Abarth 1600 vs. 1996 Ford Escort
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 35 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 15 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Abarth 1600 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 210 kg more than 1961 Abarth 1600.
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, 1996 Ford Escort, 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 @ 4600 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1961 Abarth 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 1600 | 1996 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 1600 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
