1961 Abarth 600 vs. 1978 Renault 14
To start off, 1978 Renault 14 is newer by 17 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 1,218 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 14 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Renault 14 (57 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 600. (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Renault 14 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 14 weights approximately 275 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.
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, 1978 Renault 14, 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, 1978 Renault 14 (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 14 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 1978 Renault 14 | |
| Make | Abarth | Renault |
| Model | 600 | 14 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1218 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 48 L |
