1963 Abarth 595 vs. 1978 Fiat 127
To start off, 1978 Fiat 127 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Abarth 595. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Abarth 595 would be higher. At 903 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 127 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat 127 (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1963 Abarth 595. (27 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 127 should accelerate faster than 1963 Abarth 595. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 127 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1963 Abarth 595. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Abarth 595 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 595. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 127, 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, 1978 Fiat 127 (64 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Abarth 595. (45 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 127 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Abarth 595.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Abarth 595 | 1978 Fiat 127 | |
| Make | Abarth | Fiat |
| Model | 595 | 127 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 903 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 27 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 67.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2230 mm |
