1963 Abarth 1600 vs. 1978 Renault 4
To start off, 1978 Renault 4 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Abarth 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Abarth 1600 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Abarth 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Abarth 1600 (155 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1978 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Abarth 1600 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Abarth 1600 weights approximately 84 kg more than 1978 Renault 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Abarth 1600 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 1963 Abarth 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Renault 4, 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, 1963 Abarth 1600 (167 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 4. (58 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1963 Abarth 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Abarth 1600 | 1978 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Abarth | Renault |
| Model | 1600 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 845 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 58 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 58 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 744 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2100 mm | 2410 mm |
