1961 Abarth 600 vs. 2007 Volvo S40
To start off, 2007 Volvo S40 is newer by 46 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo S40 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 600. (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo S40 weights approximately 905 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, 2007 Volvo S40, 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, 2007 Volvo S40 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 2007 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volvo |
| Model | 600 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
