1969 Abarth 1300 vs. 1974 Rover 3.5
To start off, 1974 Rover 3.5 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Abarth 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Abarth 1300 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Rover 3.5 (149 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1969 Abarth 1300. (123 HP @ 7200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 1969 Abarth 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 1002 kg more than 1969 Abarth 1300. 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, 1974 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Abarth 1300. (130 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1974 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Abarth 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Abarth 1300 | 1974 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | Abarth | Rover |
| Model | 1300 | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1280 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 636 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2100 mm | 2820 mm |
