1966 Abarth 700 vs. 1959 Citroen 2CV
To start off, 1966 Abarth 700 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 696 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Abarth 700 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Abarth 700 (63 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (12 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Abarth 700 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Abarth 700 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1959 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Abarth 700 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 1966 Abarth 700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Citroen 2CV, 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, 1966 Abarth 700 (69 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (25 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1966 Abarth 700 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Abarth 700 | 1959 Citroen 2CV | |
| Make | Abarth | Citroen |
| Model | 700 | 2CV |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 423 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 12 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 25 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 19 L |
