1961 Abarth 700 vs. 1981 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1981 Honda Ballade is newer by 20 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 1,334 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Honda Ballade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Honda Ballade (67 HP) has 4 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 700. (63 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Honda Ballade should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Honda Ballade weights approximately 215 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, 1981 Honda Ballade, 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, 1981 Honda Ballade (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (69 Nm @ 5800 RPM). This means 1981 Honda Ballade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700. 1981 Honda Ballade has automatic transmission and 1961 Abarth 700 has manual transmission. 1961 Abarth 700 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Honda Ballade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 1981 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | Abarth | Honda |
| Model | 700 | Ballade |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 1334 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2330 mm |
