1961 Abarth 600 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 35 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 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 600. (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1457 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1961 Abarth 600 has manual transmission. 1961 Abarth 600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 600 | E |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 2052 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
