1961 Abarth 600 vs. 1981 Renault 5
To start off, 1981 Renault 5 is newer by 20 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 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Renault 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 600. (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Renault 5 weights approximately 455 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, 1981 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1981 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 1981 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Abarth | Renault |
| Model | 600 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 51 L |
