1961 Abarth 600 vs. 1976 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1976 Ford Fiesta is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 957 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Abarth 600 (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Abarth 600 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 120 kg more than 1961 Abarth 600.
Because 1961 Abarth 600 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 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Ford Fiesta, 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 600 (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1961 Abarth 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 1976 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 600 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 34 L |
