1963 Abarth 1600 vs. 1988 BMW 524
To start off, 1988 BMW 524 is newer by 25 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 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Abarth 1600 (155 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Abarth 1600 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 611 kg more than 1963 Abarth 1600.
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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Abarth 1600. (167 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Abarth 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Abarth 1600 | 1988 BMW 524 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 1600 | 524 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 744 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2100 mm | 2770 mm |
