1968 Abarth 1300 vs. 1972 Austin 1800
To start off, 1972 Austin 1800 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Abarth 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Abarth 1300 would be higher. At 1,797 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Austin 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Abarth 1300 (124 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1972 Austin 1800. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Abarth 1300 should accelerate faster than 1972 Austin 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Austin 1800 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1968 Abarth 1300.
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, 1972 Austin 1800, 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, 1972 Austin 1800 (140 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Abarth 1300. (131 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1972 Austin 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Abarth 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Abarth 1300 | 1972 Austin 1800 | |
| Make | Abarth | Austin |
| Model | 1300 | 1800 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1280 cc | 1797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2100 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 49 L |
