1961 Abarth 700 vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 48 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 700. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 995 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, 2009 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (61 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 700 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 745 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
