1961 Abarth 600 vs. 1956 Porsche 356
To start off, 1961 Abarth 600 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Porsche 356 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Porsche 356 (59 HP) has 12 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 600. (47 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Porsche 356 weights approximately 257 kg more than 1961 Abarth 600. 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, 1956 Porsche 356 (110 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1956 Porsche 356 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 1956 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Abarth | Porsche |
| Model | 600 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 52 L |
