1969 Abarth 1300 vs. 1959 Abarth 500
To start off, 1969 Abarth 1300 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 1,280 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Abarth 1300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Abarth 1300 (123 HP) has 103 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Abarth 1300 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Abarth 1300 weights approximately 191 kg more than 1959 Abarth 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1969 Abarth 1300 (130 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Abarth 1300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Abarth 1300 | 1959 Abarth 500 | |
| Make | Abarth | Abarth |
| Model | 1300 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1280 cc | 479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 20 HP |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 32 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 636 kg | 445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2100 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 27 L |
