1962 Abarth 600 vs. 1996 Ford Ka
To start off, 1996 Ford Ka is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Abarth 600 (59 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Abarth 600 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Ka weights approximately 325 kg more than 1962 Abarth 600.
Because 1962 Abarth 600 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 1962 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Ford Ka (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Abarth 600. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Abarth 600 | 1996 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 600 | Ka |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 980 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 583 kg | 908 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 42 L |
