1962 Abarth 600 vs. 1958 Abarth 500
To start off, 1962 Abarth 600 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 980 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Abarth 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Abarth 600 (59 HP) has 39 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Abarth 600 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Abarth 600 weights approximately 138 kg more than 1958 Abarth 500. 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, 1962 Abarth 600 (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1962 Abarth 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Abarth 600 | 1958 Abarth 500 | |
| Make | Abarth | Abarth |
| Model | 600 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 980 cc | 479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 20 HP |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 32 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 583 kg | 445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 27 L |
