1961 Abarth 600 vs. 1988 Saab 900i
To start off, 1988 Saab 900i is newer by 27 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Saab 900i is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 900i (135 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 600. (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 900i should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 900i weights approximately 690 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, 1988 Saab 900i, 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, 1988 Saab 900i (172 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 900i will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 1988 Saab 900i | |
| Make | Abarth | Saab |
| Model | 600 | 900i |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 58 L |
