1961 Abarth 700 vs. 1966 BMW 1600
To start off, 1966 BMW 1600 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 700 would be higher. At 1,574 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 BMW 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 BMW 1600 (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 700. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 BMW 1600 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 BMW 1600 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1961 Abarth 700. 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, 1966 BMW 1600 (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (61 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1966 BMW 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 1966 BMW 1600 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 700 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 745 cc | 1574 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 71 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 45 L |
