1962 Abarth 700 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 1972 BMW 520 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Abarth 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Abarth 700 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1962 Abarth 700. (63 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1962 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 869 kg more than 1962 Abarth 700. 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, 1972 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Abarth 700. (69 Nm @ 5800 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Abarth 700 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 700 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 576 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
