1961 Abarth 700 vs. 1980 Saab 900
To start off, 1980 Saab 900 is newer by 19 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Saab 900 (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 700. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Saab 900 weights approximately 632 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.
Because 1961 Abarth 700 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 700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Saab 900, 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, 1980 Saab 900 (167 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (61 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 1980 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Abarth | Saab |
| Model | 700 | 900 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 745 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2720 mm |
