1961 Abarth 700 vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 51 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 1,242 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Fiat 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 700. (63 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat 500 weights approximately 370 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, 2012 Fiat 500, 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, 2012 Fiat 500 (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (69 Nm @ 5800 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700. 2012 Fiat 500 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. 2012 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Abarth | Fiat |
| Model | 700 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 35 L |
