1961 Abarth 700 vs. 1992 BMW 540
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 31 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 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 700. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 1151 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (61 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700. 1992 BMW 540 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. 1992 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 1992 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 700 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 745 cc | 3982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1721 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |
