1961 Abarth 700 vs. 2008 BMW M3
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 47 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 700. (63 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 1085 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (69 Nm @ 5800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 2008 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 700 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 338 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 63 L |
