1961 Abarth 2400 vs. 1955 BMW 501
To start off, 1961 Abarth 2400 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 BMW 501 would be higher. At 2,580 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Abarth 2400 (142 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1955 BMW 501. (110 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Abarth 2400 should accelerate faster than 1955 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 BMW 501 weights approximately 289 kg more than 1961 Abarth 2400.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 2400 | 1955 BMW 501 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 2400 | 501 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2323 cc | 2580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 74.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2840 mm |
