1961 Abarth 600 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 25 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 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 600. (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort 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, 1986 Ford Escort, 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, 1986 Ford Escort (97 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 600 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 97 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
