1961 Abarth 700 vs. 2012 Ford Ka
To start off, 2012 Ford Ka 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 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Ka (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 700. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Ka weights approximately 317 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 Ford Ka, 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 Ford Ka (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (61 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 2012 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 700 | Ka |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 745 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 887 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 40 L |
