1961 Abarth 600 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 41 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (303 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 256 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 600. (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1300 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 394 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 600 | S |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2700 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 | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 88 L |
