1961 Abarth 700 vs. 2009 BMW 550
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 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 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 317 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 700. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 1090 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 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 429 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (61 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700. 2009 BMW 550 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. 2009 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 2009 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 700 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 745 cc | 4799 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
