1961 Abarth 600 vs. 1980 Ford Laser
To start off, 1980 Ford Laser is newer by 19 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 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ford Laser (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 600. (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Laser weights approximately 240 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, 1980 Ford Laser, 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, 1980 Ford Laser (123 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 1980 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 600 | Laser |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2370 mm |
