1965 Abarth 595 vs. 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Abarth 595. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Abarth 595 would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1965 Abarth 595. (27 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1965 Abarth 595. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 880 kg more than 1965 Abarth 595. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 Abarth 595. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Abarth 595. (45 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Abarth 595.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Abarth 595 | 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider | |
| Make | Abarth | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 595 | Spider |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 27 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 70 L |
