1961 Abarth 600 vs. 1987 Ford Probe
To start off, 1987 Ford Probe is newer by 26 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 2,183 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Probe (108 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 600. (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Probe should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Probe weights approximately 655 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, 1987 Ford Probe, 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, 1987 Ford Probe (179 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Probe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 1987 Ford Probe | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 600 | Probe |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2183 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2530 mm |
