1962 Abarth 600 vs. 1998 BMW M
To start off, 1998 BMW M is newer by 36 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW M (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 269 more horse power than 1962 Abarth 600. (59 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW M should accelerate faster than 1962 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW M weights approximately 867 kg more than 1962 Abarth 600. 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, 1998 BMW M (340 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Abarth 600. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Abarth 600 | 1998 BMW M | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 600 | M |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 980 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| 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 | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 51 L |
