1968 Abarth 1300 vs. 1959 Berkeley B
To start off, 1968 Abarth 1300 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley B. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley B would be higher. At 1,280 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Abarth 1300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Abarth 1300 (73 HP) has 24 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley B. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Abarth 1300 should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Abarth 1300 weights approximately 314 kg more than 1959 Berkeley B. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Abarth 1300 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 1968 Abarth 1300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley B, 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, 1968 Abarth 1300 (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley B. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Abarth 1300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley B.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Abarth 1300 | 1959 Berkeley B | |
| Make | Abarth | Berkeley |
| Model | 1300 | B |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1280 cc | 692 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 61 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 670 kg | 356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 3250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1280 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2050 mm | 1790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 25 L |
