1961 Abarth 600 vs. 2008 BMW 120
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 47 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 120 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 600. (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 120 weights approximately 755 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, 2008 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600. 2008 BMW 120 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. 2008 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 2008 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 600 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
